Background
Historically, the Upper Fraser River from Crooked Creek to the Town of Winter Park has seen low flows below the 8 cfs necessary to preserve the natural environment. Flows are typically lowest in August and September when resident trout are starting their fall spawning migration. The Water Trust has been working with the Grand County Irrigated Land Company (GCILC) and other partners in the area to find ways to help boost environmental flows and keep temperatures lower in the Fraser River tributaries and mainstem.
Tool
Reservoir Releases
GCILC and the Water Trust obtained approval in 2023 for a Water Conservation Program from the Colorado River District. This allowed GCILC to release water in September 2023 from Meadow Creek Reservoir to be used to boost flows in the Upper Fraser River. Releases from the reservoir were picked up by the Moffat Collection system in exchange for a reduction in Denver Water diversions at the Jim Creek collection point. These releases boosted flows in the Upper Fraser River through the Town of Winter Park and on downstream. The project operates under a Water Conservation Program approval from the Colorado River District, which protects GCILC from being penalized for non-use. GCILC and the Water Trust will seek approval to use this Water Conservation Program in future years.
Partners
Grand County Irrigated Land Company (GCILC), The Coca-Cola Company, Swire Coca-Cola