Tag: Ruedi Reservoir

Late summer, flows in the 15-mile reach are often lower than what is recommended by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for healthy fish habitat mainly because of two large upstream irrigation diversions: DeBeque Canyon’s Grand Valley Project, known as the Roller Dam, and Palisade’s Grand Valley Irrigation Canal.

Controlled releases are increasing, and a big thick snowpack above the reservoir could lead to water flowing down an open spillway.

Low water and competing interests making water management at Ruedi Reservoir more complicated, and more coordinated.

The state water board on Wednesday approved two leases for Ruedi Reservoir water intended to help fish populations in the 15-mile reach of the Colorado River and lower Fryingpan River.

Late summer and early fall releases under 300 cfs are expected, and meant to bolster flows in Colorado River near Grand Junction

Over 30 contracts, fish water, and reservoir water all in the mix of 102,373 acre-feet.

State officials will try to keep release levels at Ruedi at 250 cfs in fall of 2016, but will go to 300 cfs, despite complaints from anglers.

A second lease between CWCB and Ute Water would send up to 300 cfs of water down the Fryingpan River from Ruedi Reservoir.

Through September about 100 cfs of water meant for endangered fish near Palisade will be released from Ruedi into the lower Fryingpan RIver.