PROJECT INFORMATION:
The LSRCD is requesting a Level II study to evaluate the feasibility of reestablishing irrigation to
areas where the infrastructure has been lost and to evaluate the potential of establishing new irrigated
areas. To accomplish this would they would like the following water storage and conveyance
opportunities evaluated.
Reconstruction of Grieve Reservoir: Grieve Reservoir failed in 1984 during a major flood event.
Reconstruction of the dam could provide an additional 2000 acre-feet to the system. The system is
estimated to yield about 4,860 acre-feet including the import of water via the Belvedere Ditch.
Currently two landowners have irrigation water rights from the reservoir and there is the potential for
the reservoir to support a public recreational fishery. Grieve Reservoir is an off channel reservoir,
receiving water from the Belvedere Ditch.
The Green River Basin Water Plan (GRBWP) listed the rehabilitation of Grieve Reservoir as the #5
most feasible project in the Green River Basin. Evaluations for rehabilitating this reservoir would
include geotechnical investigations, hydrologic investigations, water needs evaluations, recreational
opportunities and needs, and a determination of public benefits.
Upper Willow Creek Reservoir Evaluation: Willow Creek flow to the Little Snake River in
Wyoming from Colorado. The Upper Willow Creek site is in Colorado and has an estimated annual
yield of 1,500 acre-feet. The site is on the main channel of Willow Creek. The reservoir could
supply water to 1,700 acres in Colorado that have rights from Willow Creek and could supply water
to the West Side Ditch. There are approximately 5,600 acres irrigated from the West Side Ditch,
with the majority being down stream of Willow Creek. The Upper Willow Creek site was identified
as the #2 priority site in the GRBWP and also has been identified as a potential site by the Colorado
River District. Evaluations for this potential reservoir would include, hydrologic investigations,
water needs and demands evaluations in both Wyoming and Colorado, recreational opportunities and
needs, potential funding sources, and a determination of public benefits.
Dolan Mesa Irrigation Project: Dolan Mesa currently has 1,100 acres of deeded water rights.
Attempts have been made to irrigate the mesa but the delivery system was poor and currently
inoperable. The Dolan Mesa canal was designed to deliver water from Savery Creek. Alternatives
to provide water to the mesa would be evaluated and include repairing the existing canal, pumping
from First Mesa Canal, storage and delivery from Cottonwood Creek and storage and delivery from
Dutch Joe Creek. The evaluations will also look at water needs, and public benefits.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends the project be incorporated in the Rehabilitation Program at Level II with
an appropriation of $80,000.