PROJECT INFORMATION:
The LSRCD is requesting a Level II study to evaluate the feasibility of reestablishing irrigation in
areas where the infrastructure has been lost and to evaluate the potential for 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 flows 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. The reservoir
could also 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 is 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.
The study is underway and will be completed during 2003. Additional funding may be required
to accommodate work in conjunction with the State of Colorado, so an additional $50,000 is
being requested.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends that the original Level II appropriation from the New Development
program be increased by $50,000. The new appropriation will total $130,000.
