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Colorado-Big Thompson Project Overview. Presented by Ron Thomasson Water Resources Engineer Eastern Colorado Area Office. Reclamation and the C-BT. Authorized by Congress in 1937 Reclamation built, owns, and primary operator Primary purpose: supplemental water (Ag and M&I)
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Colorado-Big Thompson Project Overview Presented by Ron Thomasson Water Resources Engineer Eastern Colorado Area Office
Reclamation and the C-BT • Authorized by Congress in 1937 • Reclamation built, owns, and primary operator • Primary purpose: supplemental water (Ag and M&I) • Secondary purpose: hydro-electric power generation • Construction 1938-1952 • Six powerplants • 10 reservoirs
Colorado-Big Thompson ProjectTypical Operations • West Slope – store all inflow in excess of minimum streamflow requirements • East Slope – divert water through the Adams Tunnel at a time and volume in order to: • Meet demands • Maximize hydropower generation • Accommodate recreation • Accommodate maintenance activities Granby Dam
Green Mountain ReservoirTypical Spring Operation • Fill reservoir by mid July • Avoid spilling the reservoir to maximize power generation • Participate in Coordinated Reservoir Operations (Peak Enhancement - minimum 15-Mile Reach flow of 12,900 cfs) Green Mountain Dam and Reservoir in early spring
Green Mountain Reservoir Typical Summer/Fall Operations • Bypass inflow to meet downstream senior water rights (Shoshone/Grand Valley) • Replacement releases for out-of-priority depletions at Granby and Willow Creek • Releases to the West Slope Beneficiaries and for endangered fish Green Mountain Reservoir in late summer 2003
Opportunities • Assist in demand projections • Northern Water • Denver Water • Grand Valley • Assist USFWS in setting target flows • Peak enhancement • Late summer flows in 15-Mile Reach • Initiate drought mitigation discussions (e.g. Shoshone call reduction)
Questions? Green Mountain Dam and Powerplant on the Lower Blue