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Colorado-Big Thompson Project Overview
Presented byRon ThomassonWater Resources EngineerEastern 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)