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• flows west into Utah. Elevations range from over 13,000 feet in the headwaters to 5600 feet at the project site. Precipitation ranges from 60 inches per year, primarily as snow, at the higher elevations to 16 inches per year at the site. Streamflow of the Colorado River is derived primarily from melting snow, which typically yields hydrographs with gradual rises, moderate peaks, lengthy recessions and large volumes. Peak flows occur during late spring and summer, while low base flows predomi- nate the remainder of the year. The USGS operated a gaging station at a station at New Castle from 1966-1972 and has been operating a gaging station just below Glenwood Springs since 1966. Table 3.3-5 summarizes annual average flows on the Colorado River for both stations up to Glenwood Springs. Maximum discharge (27,900 cfs) at the Glenwood Springs station for the period of record occurred on June 25, 1983. The previous maximum was 20,500 cfs on June 15, 1973. • Table 3.3-5. Average Floa Values on the Colorado River Drainage Period Average Area of Annual Station Name Station R mf 1Z) Record Flows (e fs) Colorado River 09085100 6013 10/66-9/76* max. 9200 below Glenwood Springs mean 3410 m1 n. 2660 Colorado Rlvec at 09087600 6308 7/66-9/72 max. 4410 Neu Castle mean 3590 min. 2820 ~ The station is st 111 in operation; the annual flows are calculated for [he pe rl od of record indicated. Source: USGS records Colorado River water is used for public water supply, industrial purposes, irrigation, power generation and recreation. Trans- mountain diversions divert large amounts of water to the front range for municipal and agricultural use. Enough water is di- verted from the Colorado River watershed at the Glenwood Springs . gaging station to irrigate 11,000 acres which includes acreage on the front range. The river is also heavily used by fisherman, NCEC - Coal Ridge #1 3-37 ABC/1145/900301