Water Users and Recreation Appendix D

WATER USE

Flow regimes for in-basin water users are reviewed in this appendix. Water users include irrigators, municipalities and industry, and recreationalists. Flows include a wide range of parameters, affected by a wide range of uses and in some cases, such as recreation, may be somewhat subjective. The following sections include parameters, and approaches or methods to estimate these flow requirements. Much of the information presented herein was developed and presented in the Upper Colorado River Basin Study, Phase II, Final Report, May 29, (HRC 2003), herein referred to as the ‘UPCO Report’.

WATER USE BY MUNICIPALITIES, INDUSTRY AND IRRIGATORS

Water use as a parameter for this analysis and in terms of stream flow management focuses on two issues. The first is the physical limitations associated with stream flow that may affect the ability of a local water user to retrieve or use water. The second issue is the water user’s impact on flows in the stream relative to maintaining recommended flows. These issues are discussed in the following sections.

Physical Limitations Irrigators: In general, most users are experiencing some difficulty in retrieving or using water, especially during the recent drought years. Many irrigators are constructing make-shift cobble dams to divert flows. In 2002 it was reported that the KB ditch was shut down voluntarily because the diversion was taking the majority of flows out of the Colorado River, leaving it in a dewatered condition. Pumping for irrigation is also limited by the available supply as well as by nuisance clogging from algae growth. Some irrigators must clean the algae daily, especially around pump intakes, and in some cases up to three times a day (Thompson 2007).

Municipalities and Industrial Users: The UPCO report indicates that under future conditions most providers above and below the Town of Fraser and below the Fraser-Colorado confluence will experience shortages. Shortages will be the most severe for the Grand County Water & Sanitation District, occurring primarily in the fall and winter months (HRC 2003). Current conditions are defined in the UPCO report as conditions in the year 2000. Future conditions are based on build-out for Grand County and project conditions for Denver Water in the year 2030.

Wastewater treatment plants discharge permits are based on certain minimum instream flows for establishing the water quality and quantity of the wastewater that can be discharged to the stream (HRC 2003). Thus, a review of the 1-day and 30-day 3-year low flows is included herein, as presented in the Upper Colorado River Basin Study, Phase II, Final Report UPCO report. Most of the data are taken from the Colorado Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (CPDES) permits. The 1-day and 30-day 3-year low flows presented in the UPCO report are included in the Table D-1. In most cases, these low flows are similar in magnitude to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) flows. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators in Grand County were also contacted for anecdotal information on streamflows needed to maintain plant operation. There was no indication that water operations have ever been modified as a result of insufficient flows in the river. In the Fraser valley, there was some concern about low flows, especially in the headwaters regions. This anecdotal information is consistent with the UPCO report, which concludes that, under current conditions, the Fraser River flows “occasionally” fall below the 1-day and 3-day levels. Furthermore, under future conditions, flows are predicted to be “often” below the 1-day and 3-day levels. The UPCO report indicates that sufficient flows exist for both current and future flow conditions on the Colorado River (HRC 2003). Current conditions are defined in the UPCO report as conditions in the year 2000. Future conditions are based on build-out for Grand County and project conditions for Denver Water in the year 2030.

August 2010 Grand County Stream Management Plan D-1 Water Users and Recreation Appendix D

Table D-1. CWCB and Wastewater Treatment Plant Flows

WWTP Q, cfs CWCB ISF Q, cfs

River Facility Reach IDReach winter summer 1E3 and 30E3 30E3 and 1E3 (annual) (winter/30E3 summer) F3 Fraser River Winter Park W&SD 2.6/3.2 3.2/8.7 3.5 1 8 1 F4 Fraser River Grand County W&SD 4.9/6.2 6.2/14 511 F6 Fraser River Consolidated WWTP 12/13 13/44 11 17 F7 Fraser River Tabernash 14/15 15/50 11 17 F8 Fraser River Granby W&SD 15/23 23/31 19 30 CR4 Colorado River Hot Sulphur Springs 45/61 90 90 w/450 flush 70 (5/1-5/14) 105 (5/15-6/30) MC2 Muddy Creek Kremmling SD 2.8/2.8 2.8/76 20 (7/15-4/30) 70 (7/1-7/14) (1) well recharge requirments, Brown and Caldwell (2003

Impacts of Stream Flows There are hundreds of diversions within the study reach. A diversion table was created using information from the Colorado Decision Support System (CDSS) website searching under “Diversions (Structures)” in Division 5. Data for ditches, pumps, and pipelines were downloaded for the areas of interest. A line diagram was created from the geographic information system (GIS) data, the diversion table and line diagrams obtained from the Division 5 office of the Colorado Division of Water Resources (CDWR) in Glenwood Springs. The line diagrams are used only as a general reference to verify the locations of some of the older diversions.

Diversions with water rights that equal or exceed 1 cubic foot per second (cfs) for ditches, pumps, and pipelines are filtered out and included in the table and line diagram. In addition, several of the diversion points in the downloaded data may not be in the correct locations. Whenever possible, these points were moved to more accurate locations using the line diagrams from the CDWR. The diversion locations are based on a best estimation, are not considered completely accurate, and should be used accordingly. The table and line diagram are attached to this appendix as exhibits.

Recreational Flows Recreational use of the rivers is an economic benefit for the communities in Grand County, as well as a source of enjoyment for private boaters and anglers. Although not all reaches of the Colorado and Fraser Rivers are used for recreation because of private land restrictions, accessibility, or flow limitations. Rafting and angling commercial outfits were contacted for their opinions to gain an understanding of economic limitations related to recreational use within the study area and the preferred flows for each use. These resources are listed at the end of this appendix. In addition, recommendations by American Whitewater, developed in conjunction with the Wild and Scenic alternatives recommendation are included.

Since commercial kayaking is relatively uncommon, local (non-commercial) boaters were also contacted for their opinions. In addition, kayaking guidebooks were researched, as these books represent the most commonly held opinions in private kayaking. The information from this research was combined with the results of the UPCO report on kayaking, rafting, and angling flows and is summarized below.

Fraser River In terms of floatboating, the Fraser River is a relatively small river, with adequate flows limited to the spring snowmelt runoff. The Fraser River, particularly below Winter Park, also traverses many private properties, making accessibility difficult for both angling and floatboating. Flows for this area are usually

August 2010 Grand County Stream Management Plan D-2 Water Users and Recreation Appendix D read from the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) gage on the Fraser River at Tabernash, or upstream at the USGS gage on the Fraser River at Winter Park.

Kayaking: The Fraser Canyon can be a popular kayaking reach along the Fraser River. This reach is a class III and IV kayaking run that stretches more than 9 miles from Tabernash to Granby. Although it is rarely run by rafts, it can usually be run in a kayak for 2 or 3 weeks of the year. At lower flows, dangerous instream obstacles present themselves; at higher flows, the features that make the river exciting for kayakers become washed out. For this reason, kayakers prefer mid-range flows for a longer period of time, rather than short periods of high peak flows. The season typically lasts only a few weeks in late May and early June.

Season: May and early June Minimum Flows: 350 cfs Optimum Flows: 400 to 900 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 700 cfs to 1300 cfs

Rafting: Rafting is relatively rare in the Fraser River and, as with kayaking, is limited to the Fraser Canyon. Rafts are also less maneuverable than kayaks and generally require higher flows for recreation. Commercial rafting outfits rarely run the Fraser River currently because of the lack of reliable seasonal flows. When flows are high enough, Fraser Canyon may be run from Tabernash to Granby. The season typically lasts only a week or two in late May and early June. Some years, there are only 1 or 2 days of useable recreational flows. Although rare, the reported optimal flows from rafters are noted below.

Season: May and early June Minimum Flows: 500 cfs Optimum Flows: 800 to 1000 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 700 cfs to 1300 cfs

Angling: Fishing in this part of the country is part of the lifestyle that Grand County is known for and is a major economic staple in the area. Several private, upscale fishing developments are being constructed at the time of this report. Private and commercial anglers will fish all public lands along the Fraser River and report the flows noted below as being optimal for angling.

Fraser River from Fraser to Granby Minimum Flows: 60 cfs Optimum Flows: 100 to 200 cfs

Colorado River The Upper Colorado from Kremmling to the Grand-Eagle County line has some of the most spectacular, high-quality floatboating in the west. Immediately below Kremmling is the Big Gore Canyon offering an extremely challenging class V boating experience. Downstream of the Big Gore is the Pumphouse and Radium runs, with popular class III flows. Byers Canyon, near Hot Sulphur Springs, is also a popular floatboating run; however, the flows are often too low for a high-quality boating experience. Flows for the Colorado River near Byers Canyon are usually read from the USGS gage below Windy Gap or the USGS gage at Kremmling. Flows for the Colorado River downstream of Kremmling are usually read from the USGS gage on the Colorado River at Kremmling. Flows downstream may also be taken from the USGS gage on the Colorado River at Radium.

American Whitewater has also suggested, as part of the Wild and Scenic alternative (which includes CR7), a range of experiences with more challenging higher flows for experienced boaters, and a numeric criteria of ‘usable days’ associated with a low, medium and high flow experiences. As of June 2010 final

August 2010 Grand County Stream Management Plan D-3 Water Users and Recreation Appendix D recommendations from the Wild and Scenic have not been finalized. However, once these are finalized the flows recommended herein should be revisited and adjusted accordingly.

Kayaking: Kayaking is popular in the Upper Colorado, from Kremmling to the County line; other reaches are generally not rafted because of public access limitations.

The Gore Race Festival is a popular event held every August in Gore Canyon since the 1980s. The aim of the class V downhill run is to finish in less than 20 minutes. There are six categories for the race, including kayak over 11 feet, kayak 9.1 to 11 feet, kayak 8 to 9 feet, kayak under 8 feet, rafts, and sledging. The race is generally sponsored with festivities and activities lasting over a weekend. This festival usually brings in hundreds of paddlers and spectators to the Kremmling area. (Denver Post 2007).

Byers Canyon (Hot Sulphur Springs to Highway 40 – 3 miles) Minimum Flows: 300 cfs Optimum Flows: 1,000 to 1,600 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 700 cfs to 2500 cfs

Gore Canyon (Kremmling to Pumphouse – 9 miles) Minimum Flows: 700 cfs Optimum Flows: 1,200 to 1,400 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 700 cfs to 2500 cfs

Pumphouse (Pumphouse to Radium -5 miles) Minimum Flows: 500 cfs Optimum Flows: 600 to 1,000 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 900 cfs to 2500 cfs

Rafting: Commercial rafting companies in Grand and surrounding counties depend on the Upper Colorado for thousands of trips each year, primarily below Pump House and extending to the county line and points beyond. Above Pump House, Gore Canyon is rarely rafted commercially because of the steep gradients, obstacles, and general high danger, but it is rafted privately.

Byers Canyon is not rafted commercially because of the lack of reliable flows and its relatively short length. Other reaches are generally not rafted because of public access limitations. Gore Canyon is rafted both commercially and privately.

Gore Canyon (Kremmling to Pumphouse – 9 miles) Minimum Flows: 800 cfs Optimum Flows: 800 to 1,250 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 700 cfs to 2500 cfs

Pumphouse (Pumphouse to Rancho Del Rio – 10 miles) Minimum Flows: 700 cfs Optimum Flows: 900 to 1,300 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 900 cfs to 2500 cfs

Angling: The Colorado River is an outstanding fishery, harboring excellent numbers of trout and is known as one of the state’s premier fisheries. The Colorado River from the confluence of the Fraser River to Troublesome Creek is a designated Gold Medal fishery by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. It is known as an outstanding section for wading-anglers with excellent accessibility via public access points along Highway 40. Downstream of Pump House is also a popular reach to fish with many anglers

August 2010 Grand County Stream Management Plan D-4 Water Users and Recreation Appendix D fishing from river dories and rafts, especially with the commercial guides. Here again, access is excellent based on the abundance of public property.

Anglers and commercial outfits have expressed concerns about low flows and warm waters affecting fisheries and fishing. Anglers have also indicated algae are a nuisance. Flow ranges are indicated as follows:

Granby Reservoir to Windy Gap Minimum Flows: less than 30 cfs (UPCO) Optimum Flows: 40 to 50 cfs (UPCO)

Near Parshall, Colorado Minimum Flows: less than 90 cfs Optimum Flows: 200 to 300 cfs

Pump House (9 miles downstream of Kremmling) Minimum Flows: 450 cfs Optimum Flows: 600 to 1,000 cfs Blue River The Grand County reach of the Blue River, immediately downstream of Green Mountain Reservoir, is popular for paddling when sufficient flows are present. The reach is characterized by rolling ranchland, private property, and several drop structures recently installed by the Blue River Ranch. With sufficient flows, the Blue River is floatable from the base of Green Mountain Reservoir all the way through the confluence with the Colorado River. Angling is popular in this reach as well, especially in the tailwater of the dam.

Kayaking: This section of the Blue River is a beginner to intermediate kayaking trip. Taking out above CR 10 keeps the paddling excitement to a minimum. The new drop structures installed by Blue River Ranch provide exciting drops and holes for kayakers at sufficient flows. Private land borders each side of the river for most of the duration of the run, so few take-outs are available.

Green Mountain Reservoir to Kremmling Minimum Flows: 400 cfs Optimum Flows: 600 to 1,000 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 700 cfs to 2500 cfs

Rafting: There are no commercial rafting trips on the Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir. The section is, however, floated by private parties when flows are sufficient. Oaring and canoeing is also popular on this reach.

Green Mountain Reservoir to Kremmling Minimum Flows: 550 cfs Optimum Flows: 700 to 1,400 cfs American Whitewater recommendations, range of tolerable flows: 700 cfs to 2500 cfs

Angling: This section of the Blue River is considered a Gold Medal fishery by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Most of the land along the river is private, but fishing below the dam at Green Mountain Reservoir is permitted at certain times. North of Green Mountain Reservoir is ranching country with Blue River Ranch owning much of the land; therefore, public fishing access is limited. At low summer flows, some fishermen have complained of ‘moss so thick the water is nearly unfishable’ (Fish Colorado).

Green Mountain Reservoir to Kremmling Minimum Flows: 100 cfs Optimum Flows: 200 to 1,200 cfs

August 2010 Grand County Stream Management Plan D-5 Water Users and Recreation Appendix D

CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

The following resources were contacted for assistance in compiling the information presented herein.

American Whitewater Nathan Fey Colorado Stewardship Program

Commercial Fishing Companies Devil’s Thumb Fly Fishing, Tabernash, Colorado Riverside Anglers, Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado MoHenry’s Trout Shop

Commercial Rafting Companies Rocky Mountain Adventures, Fort Collins, Colorado KODI Whitewater Rafting, Frisco, Colorado Adventures in Whitewater, Winter Park, Colorado Colorado River Outfitter’s Association, Buena Vista, Colorado Arkansas Valley Adventures/Breckenridge Rafting, Breckenridge, Colorado

Online Resources AmericanWhitewater.com AllAboutRivers.com EddyFlower.com

Other Mountainbuzz.com (input from private kayakers) UPCO Report on Kayaking Flows Draft 4/18/02 UPCO Report on Rafting Flows 8/20/01, revised 3/3/03 UPCO Report on Fish Flows 1/7/02, revised 3/6/03, 4/21/03

Professionals Kirk Klancke, Friends of the Fraser Mitch Kirwan, MoHenry’s Trout Shop Helena Powell, Headwaters Institute Leif Embertson, sponsored kayaker and contributor, Whitewater of the Southern Rockies

August 2010 Grand County Stream Management Plan D-6 Water Users and Recreation Appendix D

REFERENCES

Brown and Caldwell. 2003. Technical Memorandum. Determination of Required Fraser River Flows to Maintain Steady State Conditions in Aquifers Supplying the Town of Fraser’s Well Field. Prepared for the Town of Fraser. August 22, 2003.

Colorado’s Decision Support System (CDSS), 2007. Upper Colorado River Basin Information. Colorado Water Conservation Board and Colorado Division of Water Resoures. http://cdss.state.co.us

Denver Post. 2007. February 1. Recreational use of Colorado River. Available on-line at: http://www.denverpost.com/perspective/ci_8142368

GEI Consultants. 2005. Technical Memorandum to Lane Wyatt, NWCCOG. Cost Evaluation for Fraser Valley Integrated Pumpback, Fraser Valley Water Supply Study (FVWSS) Continuing Investigations.

Hydroshere Resource Consultants (HRC). 2003. “Upper Colorado River Basin Study, Phase II, Final Report.” May 29, 2003.

Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCG). 2002. “2002 Upper Colorado River Water Quality Management Plan.” Available on-line at: http://www.nwc.cog.co.us/Programs/Water/PDF/UCO02REV.final.pdf

Thompson, Bill. 2007. Water Commission for the State of Colorado, District 51. Personal communication with Peggy Bailey, RMC, regarding algae blooms in Grand County in the Kremmling area.

August 2010 Grand County Stream Management Plan D-7