Binder 5. Fishery Studies (volume 1 of 2). Data collection and stream characterizations. Uncompahgre basin / lower Gunnison -- north / lower Gunnison -- south / Blue Mesa -- north / Blue Mesa -- south / Tomichi Creek / Gunnison River / East River

(1)

(2)

(3)

Montrose, West

Olathe Olathe NW Delta North Delta UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER #1

Southwest Region

Section No. 1

Primary Drainage:

Major Drainage: Gunnison River, Code No. 34 G

Code No. 46905 Date: 13 Feb. '76

Terminus Lower

Location

Confluence with Gunnison River at Delta, Colorado

Flow: 149.7 cfs

T 15 S, R 96 W, Sec. 14

Width: 60 ft. Elevation: 4910 ft.

pH

: 9.0

pHTH

: 0 ppm

MO: 2

52 ppm

Hardness: 889 ppm

Conductivity: 2200 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: Yes Terminus

Upper

Location :

Highway 90 Bridge in Montrose, Colorado

Flow; 77.5 cfs

T 49 N, R 9 W, Sec. 28

Width; 60 ft. Elevation: 5787 ft.

pH: 9.0

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 190 ppm

Hardness: 513 ppm

Conductivity: 1190 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: Yes

SECTION SUMMARY

Meander Factor :

1.2 Length

: 24,

Width: 60 ft.

Acreage: 212.1

County: Montrose

Miles: 16.1

County: Delta

Miles: 8.2

Beaver Dams: None

3 miles

Flow: Normal

Physical Stream Damage:

Bank Degradation: 50%

Channelization: 30%

Accessibility:

Surfaced: 24.3 miles Land Status: Private-Closed 24.3 miles 4

(4)

Uncompahgre River ill

Code No. 46906

Page 2

Stocking:

None: 24.3 miles

Aquatic Vegetation:

Filamentous Algae: Common

Watercress : No

Stream Size: River 60' -99'

Gradient: 0.7%

Fishery Value: None

Fishery Value - Limiting Factors

Highly Erosive Drainage - A-4

Water Diversion - C-1

Return Irrigation Flow - C-8

FISH SAMPLING

Lower or Only Station

Elevation: 5220

ft-Sampling Method: Electrofishing - 50

Length

: 500 ft.

Sampling Adequate

Estimated % of Fish Biomass

Rough Fish - 100%

Estimated % of Rough Fish Biomass

Suckers - 100%

Upper Station

Elevation: 5435 ft.

Sampling Method: Electrofishing - 50

Length

: 500 f

t.

Sampling Adequate

Estimated % of Fish Biomass

Rough Fish - 100%

Estimated % of Rough Fish Biomass

Suckers - 100%

Combined Stations

Rough Fish - 100%

Estimated %

of Rough Fish Biomass

Suckers - 100%

(5)

Uncompahgre River #1

Code No. 46905

Page 3

ELECTROFISHING RECORD

Station #1-3 miles north and 1/2 mile west of Olathe Station #2 - 1/2 mile west of Frost School

Station #3 - Highway 90 Bridge at Montrose

Equipment Used

: Bank - 110 V

11/24/75

500 ft. 500 ft. 200 ft.

Species

2

Flannel M.

Sucker

Whi te

Sucker

BlueHead

Sucker

Flannel M.

Sucker

White

Sucker

BlueHead Sucker

SIZE LENGTH IN INCHES

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Tot." Avq.

1 1 6 13 5 5 31 16.5 1 1 14.2 1 1 12.4 3.5 3ined Flannel M Sucker White Sucker BlueHead Sucker WW X BH Sucker 96% 1 6 13 5 5 36 14.7 3 2 3% 7.6 7.8 1% 3.5

1.5 lbs.,

Station #1 - Flannelmouth Sucker

46 lbs.; White Sucker

Station #2 - Flannelmouth 260g.

, White 47g., BlueHead 6g.,

WW X BH cross 7g.

Water Temp. Station #1 41

"F, Station #2 40°F

Comments:

(6)

Uncompahgre River #1

j(j p't'/j.,

Code No. 46905

Page 4

Station #3 - Highway 90 Bridge at Montrose Distance - 200'

Width - 60'

Equipment Used: Bank, Shocker

Personnel: Lashmett, Masden, Slosson, Murphy

Sta. 3 Species Flannel Bluehead W. White Sculpin

SIZE LENGTH IN INCHES

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

1 ZZZZI

2 2 1

1

5 2

1

1 I

18 Tot. Av o. 12 10.6

7

12.8 ;

3

9.2

26 3.9

Weight: Flannel

3,977 gr x = 361.5 gr.

Bluehead 2,799 gr x = 399.8 gr.

W. White

460 gr x = 153.3 gr.

Sculpin

390 gr x = 14.4 gr.

(7)

Colona Montrose East Montrose West UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER #2

Southwest Region

Section No. 2

Major Drainage: Gunnison River, Code No. 34 G

Code No. 96917 Date: 13 Feb. '76

Terminus: Lower

Flow: 77.5 cfs

Location: Highway 90 Bridge in Montrose, Colorado

T. 49 N, R. 9 W, Sec. 28

Width: 60 ft.

Elevation: 5787 ft.

pH: 9.0

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 190 ppm

Hardness: 513 ppm

Conductivity: 1190 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: Yes

Terminus

Upp

er

Location :

Confluence with South Canal (Gunnison

River Water)

T. 48 N, R. 9 W, Sec. 36

Width: 50 ft.

Elevation: 6150 ft.

Flow: 83.2 cfs

pH: 9.2

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 136 ppm

Hardness: 445 ppm

Conductivity: 1090 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: Yes

SECTION SUMMARY

Meander Factor: 1.2

Length: 10.4 miles

Width: 55 ft.

Acreage: 83.2

Flow: Normal

County: Montrose

Miles: 10.4

Beaver Dams : None

Physical Stream Damage

Bank Degredation: 15%

Channelization: 70% Accessibility: Surfaced: 10.4 miles Land Status : Private-Closed: 10.4 miles

Stocking:

None: 10.4 miles

(8)

Uncompahgre River U2

Code No. 96917

Page 2

Aguatic Vegetation:

Filamentous Algae: Abundant

Watercress: No

Stream Size: Large Stream 36' - 59*

Gradient: 0.7%

Fishery Value: Poor

Fishery Value - Limiting Factors

Highly Erosive Drainage - A-4

Water Diversion - Irrigation - C-1

Channelization - Land Reclamation - C-19

FISH SAMPLING

Lo,wer Station

Elevation: 5960 ft.

Sampling Method

: Electrofishing 50

Length - 500 ft.

Sampling Adeguate

Rough Fish: 97.6%

Game Fish: 2.4%

Estimated % of Rough Fish Biomass

Cottids : 0.1% Suckers : 99.9%

Upper Station

Elevation: 6160 ft.

Sam.pling Method

: Electrof

ishing -

!

Length

: 500 f

t.

Sampling Adeguate

Rough Fish: 43.1%

Game Fish: 56.9%

Estimated %

of Rough Fish Biomass

Cottids: 0.6%

Suckers: 99.4%

Combined Stations

Rough Fish: 83.5%

Game Fish: 16.5%

Estimated % of Rough Fish Biomass

Cottids: 0.1%

(9)

Uncompahgre River H2

Code No. 96917

Page 3

ELECTROFISHING RECORD

Station til:

1/2 Mi. due East of Uncompahgre Memorial Gardens

Station #2: 1/4 Mi. upstream from Uncompahgre Road Crossing

500 ft. 500 ft.

Equipment Used: Bank llOV

Species j

Brown

Flannel M

Sucker

Western W Sucker Bluehead Sucker Longnose Sucker BH X WW Sucker Sculpin Rainbow Brown White Sucker Dluehead Sucker Long Nose Sucker BH X WW Sucker Sc Combined

j^ainbow

Brown

Flannel M Sucker White

Sucker

Bluehead

Sucker

Longnose

Sucker

BH X WW Sucker

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

*2

16 17

18 Tot._

2"

3 6 6 25 16.8 13.3 14.1 13. C 2 5 5 2 2 1

_6

1_

4 2 8 3 6 6 25 16.5 1 1 2 1 5 7 6 1 1 3 6 12 6 3

(10)

Uncompahgre River #2

Code No. 96917

Page 4

ELECTROFISHING RECORD Rainbow

3,043g

5.6% Brown

5,899g

10.9% Flannel Mouth

20,326g

3 7.5% White Sucker

8,491g

15.7% Bluehead

14,406g

26.6%

Long Nose

603g

1.1% BH X WW

l,372g

2.5%

Sculpin

77q 0.1%

54,217g

;: Station #1

- Brown 952g,

Flannel White Sucker

3325g, Bluehead Sucker

Sucker 539g, BH X WW 611g, Sculpin

16.5%

83.4%

0.1%

Station #2 - Rainbow 3043g, Brown 4947g, White Sucker

5166g, Bluehead 34g, Longnose 64g, BH x WW 761g, Sculpin

34g.

(11)

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(12)

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(13)

TOPOG MAPS: Ridgway

Dallas Colona UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER #3 Code No. 46929

Date: November 30, 1976

Major Drainage: Gunnison River, 34-G

Southwest Region

Section No. 3

Terminus: Lower

Location: Confluence with South Canal (Gunnison River Water) 36

T 48 N, R 9 W, Sec,

Width: 50 ft. Elevation: 6150 ft. Flow: 83.2 cfs

pH: 9.2

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 136 ppm

Hardness: 445 ppm

Conductivity: 1090 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: Yes

Temperatures: Air - 52°?, Water - 47°F @15:45

Chemistries done February 13, 1976

Terminus Upper

Location: Highway 62 bridge at Ridgway, Colorado

T 45 N, R 8 W, Sec. 16

pH: 8.9

8.9

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 170 ppm

Hardness: 256 ppm

Conductivity: 680 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: No

Water Temperature @10:30 - 39''F

SECTION SUMMARY Meander Factor: Width: 41.5 ft. Flow: Normal

1.2 Length: 17.0 Miles

Acreage: 102.6

County: Ouray

Miles: 13.6

County: Montrose

Miles: 3.4

Beaver Dams: None

Physical Stream Damage:

Channelization: 40%

Accessibility:

(14)

Uncompahgre River #3

Code No. 46929

Page 2

Land Status; BLM; 0.5 Mile Private-Closed: 15.5 Miles

Private-Open: 1.0 Mile

Stocking:

Creel Size: 1.0 mile - 1971 None: 16.0 Miles

Aquatic Vegetation:

Filamentous Algae: Rare

Watercress: No - 1976 Stream Size:

Large Stream 36' — 59'

Gradient: 0.93%

Fishery Value:

Poor

Fishery Value - Limiting Factors

Highly Erosive Drainage - A-4

Channelization - Land - C-19

Mining Pollution - E-2

FISH SAMPLING

Lower Station

Elevation: 6332'— Colona Station

Sampling Method: Electro-fishing - 50

Length: 500 ft.

Sampling: Adequate

Scales Collected: Yes

Estimated % of Fish Biomass:

Rough Fish: 90%

Game Fish: 10%

Estimated %

of Rough Fish Biomass

Cottids: T

Suckers: 100%

UoDer Station

Elevation: 6990' - Dallas Creek Station

Sampling Method: Electro-fishing - 50

Length: 500 ft.

Sampling Adequate

Rough Fish: 70%

Game Fish: 30%

Estimated %

of Rough Fish Biomass:

Cottids: 2%

(15)

Uncotnpahgrc /.ivcr i}^

Code iio, '16929

Page 3

Combined Stations

Estimated /6 of Fish Biomass;

Bough Fish: 857;'

Game Fish: 157o

Estimated %

of Rough Fish Biomass:

Cottids: T

Suckers: lOO/o

Comments: Rainbows were from catchable plants made in July; brovms from

South Canal and Pleasant Valley Creek

ELiCTRO-FISHIIIG RECORD

Station ,t'1

: At Colona Bridge

5OO ft.

11-6-7't

Station /f-Z:

At Billy Greek Bridge

5OO ft.

Station 7/'^:

At Dallas Greek Bridge

5OO ft.

Station /v'J:

At Dallas Creek Bridge

5OO ft.

3

Equipment Used: Bank 110v - VVP

Personnel: 11-6-7'+

■

Sinley, Horak, D. Smith, N. Smith, B. Miller

3-12-75 - Sinley, Wiltzius, Weiler, D, Smith, N. Smith

500 ft.

500 ft. 3-12-75

species 3 3 BUS Fi ;s Sculpin 1 Brown

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 lif 15 16 17 18+ Tot. Av,^.

1 1 '+ 2 22 1611 1 ~ 10 11.9

BUS

Sculpin 7 '+ Brov/n Rainbo'w BUS Sculpin b 2 Dace 1 Rainbow 1 3 '+ 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 11.7 11 1 13. '+ 11.'+

(16)

Uncompahf:Te Miver

Code Ho, '16929

Pane

otcO. Gpecioc Combined

5 '4

5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1't 15 16 17 18+ Tot. Avn.

Sculpin 17

Dace

1__

Brov/n

Nainbov; 2 5

8 13 35 26 1

12.5 101 12.6 1 1 2 1 1 1 7 20 15. 2 1 1

Comments: './ater Temperature

-

'+2 F

- kk°F

,—o„

(17)

Surveyed by;

COLORADO STREAM SURVET

Smith and Weiler

(X) If str

(1976 REVISION)

Record Data

eam has no fishery value

Record Data

1

Code No. t+6929

Date ; 11/30/76

Section No. ! 3

8.-.ream Name: UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER Primary Drainage:

Malor Drainage Gunnison

River, 5'+-G

Lower terminus

|///////////

Location: Confluence with Scjuth Canal

(Gunnison River Water)

i

1 1 . . T. • ^+8 N R. : 9 W S. 1 36 VJidth 50 ft. ; Elevation 6150 ft. , Flow (c.f.3.) 83.2 cfs PH 1 9.2 phth 0 ppm MO !

136 ppm

EDTA 4^+5 ppm Conductivity 1090 Mohm/c

X if stream profile obtained X

Upper terminus

///////////]

Location:

Hwy b2 Bridge at Ridgway, CO

I T. '^5 N R. 8 W S. 16 Uidth 33 ft. Elevation 6988 ft. . F1ov7 ' PH

8.9 ]

ph th 0 ppm MO 170 ppm EDTA

256 ppm 1

Conductivity ' 680 Mohm/dn

X if stream profile obtained;

'

Section Summarv

'///////////

Meander factor 1.2

Length in Miles 17.0 miles Width in feet '41.5 ft.

Acreage 102.6

Observed Flow Normal

X if inundated by reservoir

Mileage unsectioned

Counties where section located///////////

County _Ouray Miles 13.6 miles County Montrose Miles 3.^4 miles Count"*' Miles ' Region Southwest

Beaver Dams imiiiiiii

Number (count or estimate) None ;

Estimated acreage 1

Physical stream damage (7. of]/

section affected) '//////////•

'//////////!

Bank degradation Channelization 40% : Dredging '•

Mine tailing encroachment j

Road encroachment

|

Accessibility (miles)

///////////

Surfaced 17.0 milp.q Non-Surfaced car 4-Wheel 1 Established trail No established trail Boat only ■ No access

Land Status and mileage /////////// USFS

BLM 0.3 mi1e

Municipal

Div. of Wild.

Private, no public access 15.5 miles

Private, open to public 1.0 mile

State Land Board

County

Mixed small tracts, open

Mixed small tracts, closed

Stocking lllllllllll

Miles creel size 1971-76

1 mile Miles fingerling

Miles Fry

Miles not stocked 16.0 miled

Aquatic Vegetation

lllllllllll

Filamentous algae (x one) lllllllllll

Absent ; Rare X Common Abundant 1 Watercress lllllllllll, X if present i

Size Classification (X one) 'iiiiiiiin Large river 3 100' i River 60-99' Large stream 36-59' X Medium 20-35' 1 Small 10-19' ' Minor 4-9' ;

Very small stream

:

4'

1

Gradient (computer entry) lllllllllll Percent per mile 0.93%

(18)

Record Data

Fishery Value (X one) 1///////////!

None ] Poor i X Belov; average Average Above Average Excellent

Fishery Value - limiting

///////////;

factors :///////////,

Highly Erosive Drainage A-k ;

Channelization - Land C-19 i Mining Pollution

E-2

]

FISH SAl-IPLTOG

_{;///////////,}

Lower or only station i///////////•

Elevation _i ₆₃₃₂

Describe or map station J

;

i

.1 ...1

location below

Colona Station

Sampling method Electro-fishing - 50'

Length - feet _i ₅₀₀

Sampling adequate i X

Sampling inadequate '

X if scales collected X

Estimated % fish biomass

■///////////!

Rough Fish 90% i

Game Fish i 10% ;

Est. 7„ rough fish biomass

■///////////I

Bullheads 1 Carp i Cottids T ; Dace i Minnows i Suckers

j

100%

SunfIsh Record Data Upper Station _/////////// Elevation . 6900 ft.

Describe or map station

location below ..A. .

Dallas Creek Station

Sampling method Electro-fishing - 30

Length - feet 500 ft.

Sampling adequate X

Sampling inadequate

X if scales collected X

Estimated 7. fish biomass

///////////'

Rough Fish , 7CP/0

Game Fish

'• 3CP/o

Est. 7, rough fish biomass ///////////

Bullheads ; Carp _: Cottids _2% Dace I. Minnovjs Suckers CO Sunfish

Combined stations _{"///////////i}

Estimated % fish biomass *-///////////!

Rough Fish

Game Fish X

f

8y/a

15%

Est. y, rough fish biomass [,///////////

Bullheads Carp Cottids Dace Minnows Suckers

1 Too^

Sunfish

No. of game fish;6.0"

j

per mile.

Comments:

Rainbows were from catchable plants made in July; browns from

(19)

f

TOPOG MAPS COW CREEK

Southwest Region

Section No. 1 Wetterhorn Peak

Ouray

Dallas

Ridgway

Colona Code No. 39380

Date: November 30, 1976

Primary Drainage: Oncompahgre River

Major Drainage: Gunnison River, Code ^k3. 34-G

Terminus Lower

Location: Confluence with Uncompahgre River

T 46 N, R 8 W, Sec. 8

VJidth: 33 ft. Elevation: 6600 ft. Estimated Flow: 5.0 cfs

pH: 9.0

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 308 ppm

Hardness: 462 ppm

Conductivity: 1060 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: No

Water Temperature (a)ll:20 - 32°F

Terminus

Upper

Location: Headwaters at Wildhorse Peak

T 43 N, R 6 W, Sec. 8

Width: 1.0 ft.

Elevation: 12,350 ft.

SECTION SUMMARY Meander Factor: Width : Flow: 17 ft. Normal

1.05 Length: 25.6 Miles

Acreage: 55.4

County: Ouray

Miles: 25.6

Beaver Dams: Unknown

Physical Stream Damage:

Channelization: 10%

Accessibility:

Surfaced: 0.5 Mile

Non-Surfaced Car: 3.5 Miles

4-Whoel Drive: 6.9 Miles

No Established Trail: 6.0 Miles No Access: 8.7 Miles

(20)

Cow Creek Code No. 39380

Pago 2

Land Status: USFS: 10.4 Miles BLM: 1.8 Miles Private-Closed: 14.4 Miles

Stocking:

3000 Native, 1200 Rainbow in 1971

None : 25.5 Miles

Aquatic Vegetation:

Filamentous Algae: Rare

Watercress: No Stream Size: Small Stream 10' - 19' Gradient: 4.3%

Fishery Value:

Below Average

Fishery Value - Limiting Factors

Flash Flood Area - A-3

Highly Erosive Drainage - A-4

High Temperature - A-14

FISH SAMPLING

Lower Station Elevation: 6600 ft.

Sampling Method: Electro-fishing

Length: 1000 ft.

Sampling Adequate

Rough Fish: 100%

Estimated %

of Rough Fish Biomass

Cottids : 5%

Dace: 50% Suckers: 45%

Station Elevation: 7200 ft.

Sampling Method: Electro-fishing

Length: 1000 ft.

Sampling Adequate

Rough Fish: 85%

(21)

Cow Creek

Code No. 39380

Page 3

Estimated %

of Rough Fish Biomass:

Cottids: 2%

Dace; 3%

Suckers : 96%

Combined Stations

Rough Fish: 95%

Game Fish: 5%

Estimated % of Rough Fish Biomass

Cottids: 2% Dace: 3% Suckers: 96% ELECTRO-FISHING RECORD 11-6-74 3-11-75 11-6-74 3-11-75 Station Station Station #la; #lb : #2 a : Station 4i2b:

Equipment Used: Bank

Highway 550 bridge

Cow Creek Community

llOv - VVP

Hall Hall

Personnel: Thornton, Baker, Sinley, Horak, Masden, B. Miller,

Wiltzius, D. Smith, N. Smith

Sta. Species la Dace Sculpin

lb

Dace

Sculpin

BHS

2a

Dace

Sculpin

BHS

Native

2b

Dace

BHS

Native

Rainbow

Native

Rainbow X

Combined

Dace

Sculpin

Native

Rainbow

Native Rainbow X

2 3 4 ^

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Tot. Avq.

2 23 2

[

27 3.3

1 1 2.0

6 12 7 2

2 8 7

1 6 13 18 11

5 1

1

1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 6 4 1 1 11.5 1 14.7 15 25 2

_6

9.

7

1 11.5 1 14.7

(22)

TOPOG MAPS: Ridgway

Dallas DALLAS CREEK

Southwest Region

Section No. 1 Code No. 46741

Date: November 30, 1976

Primary Drainage: Uncompahgre River

Major Drainage: Gunnison River, Code No. 34-G

Terminus: Lower

Location: Confluence with Uncompahgre River

T 46 N, R 8 W, Sec. 33

Width: 23 ft. Elevation: 5850 ft. Estimated Flow: 8 cfs

pH: 9.2

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 190 ppm

Hardness: 410 ppm

Conductivity: 900 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: No

Water Temperature (s^ll:00 - 32°F

Terminus

Upper

Location: Confluence with West Fork and East Fork to form main stem of Dallas Creek

T 45 N, R 9 W, Sec. 24

pH: 9.2

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 109 ppm

Hardness: 120 ppm

Conductivity: 350 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: No

Water Temperature ^-10

:00 - 32

°F

SECTION SUMMARY

Meander Factor: 1.05

Length: 6.2 Miles

Width: 22.5 ft.

Acreage: 17.8

Flow: Normal

County: Ouray

Miles: 6.2

Beaver Dams: None

Physical Stream Damage: None

Accessibility:

Surfaced: 1.7 Miles

Non-Surfaced Car: 4.5 Miles Land Status :

(23)

Dallas Creek Code No. 46741

Page 2

Stocking:

None: 6.2 Miles

Aquatic Vegetation:

Filamentous Algae: Common

Watercress: No Stream Size: Medium Stream 20'-^35' Gradient: 1.7%

Fishery Value:

Above Average

Fishery Value - Limiting Factors

Lack of Reproduction - B-4

Return Irrigation Flows - C-8

FISH SAMPLING

Elevation: 7000 ft.

Sampling Method: Electro-fishing

Length: 500 ft.

Sampling Adequate

Rough Fish: 40%

Game Fish: 60%

Estimated % of Rough Fish Biomass

Cottids: 30%

(24)

Dallas Creek Code No. 46741

Page 3

ELECTRO-FISHING RECORD

11-6-74 Station #1: 2nd bridge below confluence with

Pleasant Valley Creek

500 ft.

3-12-75 Station #1: Samo as above 500 ft.

Eguipment Used: Bank llOv - VVP

Personnel: Horak, Sinley, Masden, Wiltzius, Weiler,

B. Miller, D. Smith, N. Smith

Sta. Species

1 Brown

Brook

BHS

Sculpin

2 3 4 5 _6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Tot. Avq.

1

3 4 "" 10.9

;

1

8.8

1 i

11.8 '5

8 "

"

13

3.7 Brown

BHS

Wh. Slicker Sculpin 1 5

Combined

Brown

Brook

BHS

Wh. Sucker

Sculpin 1 10 5 2 13 2

9_

;

J.

4 13^

IT

T

6 1 £

26 10.7 9.0

3.6"

(25)

STREAM SURVEY SUMMARY

S t ream East Dal las Cr. ^iCode :

0 c

7-26-86

Location

jAlN RBW Sec 2k

Gear Types Backpack E 1 ectrof1shIng Unit

Col lectors

Langlois / McClel land / Shirley

0 i scha rge

Average width IQ.tjAm (3^.8 ft.

Average Depth 2^.2 cm (9.S in.)

Average Slope 2.25 %

Station Length 35$ m (1 168 ft.)

0.5707 ha (I/ha = 7.6QI 95% kg/ Ave. Ave. A/ha

■

r

■

~r

R

i

3 :

8 J.6I2 Viiiin; 260 20A mm / mm. 0/8 V// utnp . 16.7 cona 1 .08 B 15 i»0 186 86.R5 5 / 35 83.3 1 .13

A I figure; based or area netted

no second ptss

.

(26)

STREAM SURVEY SUMMARY

Stream East Dal las Zr Jl Code: 39568

Location JkkH R8W S13 SWj:

1 Gear Types Backpack E I ect

rof i sh 1 ng Unit

Col lectors

Langlois / Shirley/ McClel land

D i scha rge

Average width 8.6 m (28.2 ft.)

Average Depth cm (H.q in.^

Average S1 ope ].k ^

Station Length

n7.l6 m (kSO ft.)

Area .ii8 ha. M/ha = R.kl)

9 SI Ave. _^/ha B 12 .. 102 1 .66 . 203.9 138.66 mm / mm. 26 / 76 100 t-una 1 .27 1 1

"

—A]

1 f

i gures

bsed on irea nfit fp.d

-- No se

cond

pass

.

(27)

TOPOG MAPS; Ridgway

Dallas Ouray Ironton

UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER SECTION NO. 4

r

Southwest Region

Code No. 46931

Section No. 4 Date: 29 November 1977

Major Drainage: Gunnison River, Code No. 34-G

Terminus: Lower

Location: Highway 62 Bridge at Ridgway, Colorado

T 45 N, R 8 W, Sec. 16

Width: 40 ft. Elevation: 6988 ft. Flow: 38.0 cfs

pH: 7.5

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 88 ppm

Hardness: 359 ppm

Conductivity: 720 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: No

Water Temperature (? 0930 - 39°F

Terminus: Upiser

Location: Confluence with Red Mountain Creek

T 43 N, R 7 W, Sec. 17

Width: 14 ft. Elevation: 8480 ft. , Flow: 9.0 cfs

pH: 6.2

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 7 ppm

Hardness: 308 ppm

Conductivity: 600 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: No

^

Water Temperature @ 11:00 - 36 F

SECTION SUMMARY

Meander Factor: 1.1 Length: 13.3 Miles

Width: 27 ft. Flow: Below Normal Acreage: 47.9

County: Ouray

Miles: 13.3

Beaver Dams: None

Physical Stream Damage: Mine Tailings: 40% Channelization: 60%

Dredging: 10%

Accessibility: Surfaced: 11.0 Miles No Access: 2.3 Miles Land Status: USFS: 1.8 Miles Private-Closed: 11.5 Miles Stocking: None: 13.3 Miles

(28)

UncompaliRrc River Section No. 4 Code No. 46931

Page 2

Aquatic Vegetation:

Filamentous Algae: Common Watercress: No

Stream Size:

Medium Stream 20' - 35' Gradient: 2.1%

Fishery Value: Poor

Fishery Value - Limiting Factors:

Highly Erosive Drainage A-4

Poor Pools & Cover A-7

Riparian Vegetation Inadequate B-6

Channelization-Land Reclamation C-19

Excessive Siltatlon E-1

Mining Pollution E-2

FISH SAMPLING

Only Station

Elevation: 7000 ft.

Sampling Method: Electro-fishing

Length: 500 ft. Sampling: Adequate Scales Collected: No

Rough Fish: 20%

Game Fish: 80%

Estimated % of Rough Fish Biomass:

Cottlds: 20% Suckers: 80%

Upper Station Elevation: 7070 ft.

Sampling Method: Electro-fishing

Length: 550 ft.

Sampling: Adequate Scales Collected: No

Rough Fish: 19%

Game Fish: 81%

Estimated % of Rough Fish Biomass: Cottids: 90%

(29)

llncompahgro River Section No. A

Code No, A6931

Page 3

Combined Stations

Estimated: % of Fish Biomass: Rouch Fish: 20%

Game Fish: 80%

Estimated % of Rouch Fisli Biomass: Cottids: 39% Suckers: 60% Dace: 1% ELECTRO-FISHING RECORD November 6, 1974 March 12, 1975 February 7, 1977

Station iH: At Ridgway Bridge

Distance: 500 ft.

Station //I: At Ridgway Bridge

Distance: 500 ft.

Station //2: Bridge upstream of Turner Campground

Distance: 550 ft. (0.3156 acre)

Width: 25 ft.

Equipment Used: Bank llOV - V\'P

Personnel: November 6, 1974 and March 12, 1975: Sinley, Horax, D. Smith N. Smith, Wiltzius, Weiler and B. Miller.

February 7, 1977: Smith, Hazzard, Sherman, Warner, K. Miller and Weiler

SIZE LENGTH IN INCHES

Sta. Species 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 Tot Avg %Bio November 6, 1974

1 WW Sucker

BH Sucker

Sculpin

^

Brown

P..ainbow

March 12, 1975

1 Rainbow

Brown

UW Sucker

Sculpin 1

February 7, 1977

2 Rainbow

Brook

Mottled Sculpin 13 12 Dace 2 Station 2 1 2 2 4 6.7 2 9.6 5 3.7 2 15.7 8 9.8 3 9.5 1 8.5 1 10.0 1 2.4 1 11.2 29% 1 14.6 52% 25 2.9 17%

Rainbow - 265 g - 1.85!f/Acre Netted (Probably from Private Lakes)

Brook

- 470 g - 3.3 f/Acre Netted (Probably from Private Lakes)

Sculpin - 157 g - 1.1 C/Acre Netted - 90%

(30)

EM 7057 / ^ ^ 7/w7

^

Dr

Round E V X' *■ 70C5 bf

_Nf

■! r '

-' -'^ 3 \ f" V

::.rU ?

• -/■ • ; I / *---•- . •/ i: K. n 1 f e I i i . - ; '.■■''■• ■ .1^ ' ■ ' ■ . < . I • / t * j* • —^ • :» '''^. . ■ ^• . Ridg'^vay !: -■<* - •

> - ■ :' Ll :■■',•■' y'' ■ f' ■' '

\ /

bb,^-.\F7;

; ■ ■ -• ■ \ I:' ."' ' i - ■ i ^ / ; -/ ^ - V \ ■

I - A i\

• ■• i . ! \

15/' ^

i ■ /'

\ _j ' [ \ .,. 7^-:

'^7 f / !

/ ■ \>--v ^ 'a \ -I' " -J -— ''^ N — -KTT'

W '-777

;■ - ' -. -7. jr^vl 1

/{. .. . 7\ m

- A: .' 7 M '

I,

K f .Ap. A 7

I : -7 'A r 1 V* f . _ •. Wlof Spring ^ veM7csc L \ ' '-s

(31)

1 ; / ,<>'■ ,-i -V■^ K \

I i >''''ltr.sr. ^OUN^MhY^-:''

'l \ / /

-~ \

; rS^

(32)

ELECTRO-FISHIIMG RECDRD

StrsEm:

^

(o/^tVli-

Sj^tion ll\

I^T /7iD(i^CoU^^

S^tion lit

Section ,v3

Section IIU

Section '/5 Date:

^oo

Uatts/Uolts Watts/Uolts IjJatts/V/olts

Equipment Used:_

Fersonnel:

^

D. A7.

j

5 ; 6 7 ; 6 9

■!□; ii! 12113: 1L1 isj is 17 jl6+ lot.

;, I ' ; I • ; ! tiUtk

d>eou}tO

ILS

/ zi 2- 1 / 1/ /

BeoiO/O

uomment 73 Uim.W,

(33)

ELECTRn-FIEKIiJG nEL'DRD

Station

i^(/C

cf ~JuC^t^^t iZ

:: 7

Fes

77 Distai ion; Sj^O

Uidtt,

(0,

AtSL.

)

Station fiZ Oj stance; ■xidtl";

Station //3 Di;.i;ancc IJidth

Equipment Used:

//O 0 /} C.

Personnel: ^hrrH _

z p A-^'O_

j J.4/ca'<F

//'(- i-

tOc- /l c /Z ^

SIZE LENGTH TH INCHCS

Sta. Species 0.9 1 | 2 : 3 i L ! 5 I 5 | 7 0' ■;! In' 11 |

izl

Z

' I ' l l

4-1-1—1 i-; ' i ^ I r' ' /

f^XboK

!

iij

; i I •

:ri

I / !

i ' ' '

TMc I r: t. V. .V/4t i .U 1 / i-c n I

-^CuC/Va^' j

j?,'fCG i

!

'

! :

.r:-j.lL.;

I i 1

:

ci,q n%

jL 33 Z%

■-FT

11;J.-L., llil

1 ; "1": "' "1

! I i j i

! j ;

I

' I i • ■ !

1 ;

i

I I ; I I

.l..J,._i—

J

--L ...L.-J--4 --L-i--L .

l

I ;

I

Comments:

~

((tkil/i/hy ffCc.'-t Pi? n'A rt c/?/:<'i.J

I^/ZOOC^-' ^

- i/'' 4t / ('- C.^.c

FfhH PiltC/ffT

^fCLiLp/zJ-

/• t t'

Z)/^CC' - ifiy

Dec. - 75 li)m. U.

'''

(2ci ;

^'t,.',;: -)

k!,Hii-Lni ^ 1 P(P /7

(34)

^

TOPOG MAPS: Ironton

Handles Peak

UNCOMPAIIGRE RIVER (POUGHKEEPSIE GULCH)

Oujirtu^

Southwest Region Code No. 46943

Section No, 5

Date: 27 July 1977

Major Drainage: Gunnison River, Code No. 34-G

Terminus: Lower

Location: Confluence with Red Mountain Creek

T 43 N, R 7 W, Sec. 17

Elevation: 8480 ft. Width: 15 ft. Flow: 9.1 cfs

pH: 7.2

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 27 ppra

Hardness: 120 ppm

Conductivity: 135 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: No

Water Temperature @15:00 - 56°F

Terminus: Upper

Location: Headwaters above Lake Como

T 42 N, R 7 W, Sec. 3

pH: 6.7

pHTH: 0 ppm

MO: 14 ppm

Hardness: 68 ppm

Conductivity: 96 Mohm/cm

Stream Profile: No

Water Temperature @11:30 - 48°F

SECTION SUMMARY

Meander Factor: 1.01 Length: 5.7 Miles

Width: 8 ft.

Flow: Below Normal

Acreage: 5.6

County: San Juan

Miles: 3.3

County: Ouray

Miles: 2.4

Beaver Dams: None Physical Stream Damage:

Natural Channelization: 70% Accessibility:

Surfaced: 0.1 Miles 4-Wheel Drive: 4.1 Miles Established Trail: 1.5 Miles

Land Status: USES: 3.0 Miles BLM: 1.2 Miles Private-Closed: 1.5 Miles Stocking: Fry: R-1200 - 1971 - 1.0 Miles None: 4.7 Miles

(35)

Uncompahgre River (PoughkcepsLe Gulch)

Code No. 46943

Page 2

Aquatic Vegetation:

Filamentous Algae: Absent Watercress: No

Stream Size:

Minor Stream 4' - 9' Gradient: 13.5%

Fishery Value: Below Average

Fishery Value - Limiting Factors:

Flash Flood Area A-3 Steep Gradient A-5 Low Temperature A-15 Mining Pollution E-2

FISH SAMPLING

Lower Station Elevation: 9950 ft. Length: 200 ft. Sampling Method: Electro-fishing - 50

Sampling: Adequate

Scales Collected: No

Estimated % of Fish Biomass - Game Fish: 100% Upper Station

Elevation: 10500 ft.

Sampling Method: Electro-fishing - 50 Length: 250 ft.

Sampling: Adequate NO FISH TAKEN

Combined Stations

Estimated % of Fish Biomass - Game Fish: 100%

Station //I: Above Diamond Creek Confluence

Distance: 200 ft. (0.0689 acre) Width: 15 ft.

Station //2: At Old Lout Mine

Distance: 250 ft. Width: 12 ft.

Equipment Used: Battery Back Pack

Personnel: Smith, Weiler, Hayley. Ranch

1 2 3 4 5 Total Av

7 6.9

Brook

(36)

Uncompahgre River (Poughkeepsie Gulch)

Code No. 46943

Page 3

Additional Data Collected — 6 September 1977

Width: 12 ft. Flow: 4.5 cfs

pH: 7.7 pHTH: 0 ppm MO: 34 ppm

Hardness: 103 ppm

Conductivity: 5000 Mohm/cm

Water Temperature @ 14:15 - 58°F

Station //lA: At Highway 550 Crossing

Distance: 200 ft. Width: 8 ft.

Equipment Used: Battery Back Pack

Personnel: Weiler, Hayley, Ranch

Species -0.1

NO FISH TAKEN

(37)

(38)

ELECTRO-FISHING RECORD Scream:

ScaCion //^:

Station //2: Station #3: Date: Distance: Di stance; Distance:

O

'

Width:

1<D

'

Width:

rz

'

Width: Acreage; Acreage; Acreage; Equipment Used: Personnel:

7 18 1 9 110 111 |12 113 114 115 !16 !17 !l8+i Tot.l Avg

I I

B

I

B

or 4ol

W.C. Weiler, 20 February 1980

(39)

ADDITIONAL DATA

ORIGINAL STREAM SURVEY

Water: [ J/\CO rm Section No.: Primary Drainage: Code No Date: :

-7 Orjh

Major Drainage; Code No,:

(-1-6

Fish Sampling - Lower or Only Station (Include Map)

Elevation: 4

ft.

Sampling Method: ^

Elevation:

Length:

Scales Ccllected:

Estimated % of Fish Biomass;

ft. Sampling: A.dequate or Inadequate

Rough Fish:

Estimated % of'Rough Fish Biomass;

Bullheads:

Minnows: Suckers;

Game Fish:

Cottids:

Sunf ish:

Fish Sampling - Upper Station (Include Map)

Elevation: ft. Sampling Method:

Elevation:

i-t.

Length:

ft.

Scales Ccllected:

Rough Fish:

Bullheads:

Minnows:

Carp:

Suckers:

Sampling: Adequate or Inadequate

Game Fish:

Cottids: Sunfish:

Combined Stations

Rough Fish:

Bullheads:

Minnows: Suckers:

Number of Game Fish 6.0" + per mile

Comments: Game Fish: Cottids: Sunfish: Dace:

W.C. Weiler, 20 February 1980

(40)

PPPPiPPf^

" kSESir.'ifi^ifia'Sea t!s 1 OUthe LEGEKD 1 « Voodgatc Road 2." Jones Point 3 " Becker Ranch U ■ Colona 5 • Schmld Ranch 6 * Billy Creek

7 • Cow Creek Confluence 8 ■ Below Damsite 9 - Cookie Tree Ranch

\

Monlrose i/rWoodgate Rd.

I.

%»

\

Colona

"1

Uncompahgre Road

Figure 7-1. Locations of fish sampling stations on

the Unconpahgre River.

I

i

f

i

k]

10 " Dallas Creek Confluence

11 - Dallas Bridge 12 - BLM Below Ridgway 13 - Ridgway 14 - Weber Ranch 15 - Weber f2 16 - Portland 17 " Forest Boundary 18 ■ Ouray m cv X Co C/ c>-na"3^ Pleasa Van Ridgway (\ Ck Hand 7 Ouray

(41)

Table 7-2. Average number of fish per 500 feet of river at stations on the

Uncompahgrc River, 1980-1982.

Station Species

Flannel-White Bluehead mouth Brown Mottled Speckled Rainbow

Sucker

Trout

fculpin

Dace

Trout

Woodgate Road" Jones Point Becker Ranch Colona Schmid Ranch 3.8 36.3 1.2 15.7 2.8 10.8 3.3 15.7 30.6 Billy

Creek

A.5

5

6.5.

1.8

11.9

2.6 T

Cow Creek

Confluence

T

8.5

3.5

7 T

5.5

Below

Damsite

3.1

3.7

1 1-6

8.1

3

Cookie Tree

Ranch

2.5 A

T

7.A

7 T

Dallas Creek

,

Confluence

5

11.5 —

12.5 T

Dallas

Bridge

1.3

3.8 —

2.8

10.8

2

BLM Below

Ridgway

2.3

1.2 —

8.5

2.5

3.2 Ridgway

5.7

1.3 —

3.3

15.7

1.1

1

Weber

Ranch

—

1.6 T

—

20.8 1»A

Weber il2

—

T

—

10.5

2.5 Portland*"

—

3.6

1 Ouray***

—

^

* A single fathead minnow was found here.

*■' A single brook trout was found here.

Several speckled dace and goldfish were found at the river s interface with

a ]iot spring effluent. No fish were ever taken in the main channel at this

(42)

Table 7-1. Relative abundance (percent composition) of the fish species

caught at stations on the Uncompahgre Fiver, 1980-1982.

Station Wiite Bluehcad Sucker Sucker Woodgate Road"-'-' Jones Point Becker Ranch Colona Schmid Ranch Billy Creek Cow Creek Confluence Below Damsite Cookie Tree Ranch Dallas Creek Confluence Dallas Bridge BLM Below RidgVv7ay Ridgway Weber Ranch Weber 112 Portland"" Ouray Species

Flannel-mouth Brown Mettled

Sucker Trout Sculpin

Speckled

Dace

"Fathead minnow - T

'■""Brook Trout - T

;'.--;:;':Scvcral spccklod dace and gold fish were found at the river s interface

v;itli a hot spring effluent. No fish were ever taken in the main channel

at this station.

(43)

DIUISIOIM OF WILDLIFE

Jauj Tagging - S. Ul. Region

Date

Taooed: I

Z

^

TS' Area Taooed;

Ut, "DALLAS

Itr 6niP«r(

UvlomP^.

L

V COHpLM iM PUfiSt^T f

i

510

iZo

1 Bdook

9S"

ZZOZ

Gdoof!^

ZZ03

(idooK

9J"

ZZO

1/

QZoo/^

1,3"

ZZOS

fhfloQK

_9-Z."

ZZO(i>

/CA^aJO^W

n.y

ZZ0

7 A?A/Aid« CO

9.9"

ZZ02

w

1,0"

XZo^

JZftOLJ/U

S.S"

ZZ/0

d.A/^^0LO

10.G>"

<lftATV.ii6. 'io3>e(i 7S & C-c'^t-U W

T),?V CA^K 11-/^"

ZZII

liOAoui

1\.Z"

ZZIZ

dAiiotio w

lO.G"

ZZS9

//.7

B^otJ

fJ

tl.l

22UI

B/totO/J

tl. /

(44)

UPPER GUNNISON D-87-175

Aquatic Habitat Characterization of the Uncompahgre River and Cow Creek

Introduction

The Uncompahgre River originates In the San Juan Mountains ten miles

southeast of Ouray, Colorado. From Its origin It flows In a northwesterly

direction for some fifty miles until It empties Into the Gunnlson River near

Delta, Colorado. Due to the high elevations near Its headwaters, the flow of

the Uncompahgre River Is predominantly affected by the annual cycle of winter

snows and spring and early summer run-offs. The same can be said of the flows

of Cow Creeks.

Table 1, Illustrates the average monthly flow for the Uncompahgre River

at Colona. Since the Dallas Creek Project, which will be In full operation In

1990, will Impact Uncompahgre River flows, those data are also given.

Table 1

Comparison of Uncompahgre River flows at Colona with and without the Dallas Creek Project

(Unit—second-feet) Preproiect Post-proiect Monthly November December January February March April May June July August September October

Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Mini mum mont hiy dally dally mont hiy dally dally

102 240 50 69 148 45 84 194 42 63 107 45 72 300 30 57 81 45 76 334 35 57 92 45 96 346 50 68 128 45 215 861 36 158 408 57 501 2,170 12 426 1,282 107 794 2,600 132 753 1,329 203 396 2,370 70 505 1,236 259 215 916 32 252 532 104 125 1,420 12 108 400 35 108 364 16 90 228 33

Final Environmental St at ement, Dallas Creek Project

In addition to annual run-off cycles, the flow of the Uncompahgre River

(45)

There are seven major diversions and several private diversions between

Montrose and Olathe where much of the water In the river Is removed. Between

Mont rose and Colona the Uncompahgre River receives water from the Gunnlson

River via the Gunnlson Tunnel. The AB Lateral Hydropower Project proposed by

Montrose Partners will further alter flows In the Uncompahgre River although

many of the changes may be beneficial.

Water quality parameters such as total dissolved solids, specific

conductance, alkalinity, total hardness, and turbldlcy all tend to Increase

significantly as the river flows through the Uncompahgre Valley. The highest

values are generally near Delta where the river water Is almost exclusively

made up of return Irrigation flows. The Uncompahgre River and many of Its

tributaries are contaminated with acid mine drainage which produces relatively

high concentrations of heavy metals. Studies by Reclamation have Indicated that concentrations of zinc, mercury, and cyanide based on flow weighted

average may periodically exceed the safe level for aquatic life. Selenium and

manganese may at times exceed safe drinking water levels.

Existing Aquatic Habitat Conditions

Uncompahgre River

The 25 miles of other Uncompahgre River from Ouray to Colona has a good

pool (runj - riffle ratio with 40 percent of the surface area being pools and

deep run (CDOW, 1976). However, below Montrose the habitat changes with only

approximately 1 percent of the surface area being pools and deep runs.

The fishery In the Uncompahgre River below Montrose Is dominated by three

sucker species: flannelmounth, western white, and bluehead sucker. There Is

no sport fishery In this reach of river. Table 2, Illustrates the relative

abundance of fish species In the Uncompahgre River from Rldgway Reservoir to Montrose. With the exception of the reach Immediately below the South Canal,

(46)

this stretch of river is also dominated by nongames species. The majority of

the rainbow trout presented in this section of the Ikicompahgre River enter

from the Gunnison River through the South Canal. The Colorado Division of

Wildlife believe that the brown trout in this reach are spawned in some of the cleaner tributaries and immigrate to the Uncompahgre River. They feel there is little or no natural reproduction in the Uncompahgre River probably as the

result of excessive sedimentation.

The macroinvertebrate population of the Uncompaigre River has always posed a bit of an anomaly for aquatic biologist as tne population in general are relatively healthy in the midst of what appears to be extensive physical

and chemical habitat degradation. There is no evidence that there is

insufficient Invertebrate biomass to support a fish population as there should

be in a stream that experiences this type of turbidity and sediment load.

Obviously something other than food is limiting the trout fishery in the

Uncompahgre River.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife suspects that the heavy sedimentation

and turbidity levels are affecting the reproductive success of trout in the

Uncompahgre River. Excessive sedimentation smother the eggs in the gravel and

excessive turbidity causes gill abrasion and ultimate mortality in the larvae

and fry life stage. Also, high concentrations of certain metals such as zinc

can cause reproductive failure in trout.

In general, the Uncompahgre River is considered to be a very poor fishery

for several reasons. The erosive nature of the watershed results in extreme

(47)

Table 2

Relative abundance (percent composition) of fish species at

three stations on the Uncompahgre River, 1980-1982

Station Woodgate Road (3 mi. S. of Montrose) Jones Point Becker Ranch (Immediately below the South Canal) Colona White sucker

4 (2.0)y

5 (3.8) 5 (2.5) 10 (330) Bluehead sucker 5 (2.6) 48 (36.3) 15 (8.0) 13 (4.2) Flannelmouth Brown sucker

7 (4.1)

23 (17.5) 15 (4.7) trout 5 (3.0) 7 (5.0) 9. (4.5) 4 (1.2)

Mottled Speckled Rainbow

sculpin

dace

trout

72 (40.6)

~

7 (3.8)

8 (6.3)

~

8 (6.3)

4 (2.0 49 (15.7 60 (30.60 9 (3) Trace

The number in parentheses is the average number of fish per 500 feet of river.

Source; Colorado Division of Wildlife, 1983. Fish and Wildlife Analysis, Dallas Creek Project, Ridgway Reservoir

Construction Phase Report. Grand Junction, Colorado.

(48)

are caused by high spring runoff flows; the river has been channelized In many

areas destroying aquatic habitat; Irrigation dewaters the river which limits

habitat; and virtually all land bordering the river Is In private ownership

which restricts public access.

As previously mentioned there are two projects an the Uncompahgre River

which could help repair the habitat degradation of tie past: Reclamation's

Dallas Creek Project and Montrose Partner's AB Lateral Hydropower Project.

The Dallas Creek project will have two beneficial Impacts. Rldgway

Reservoir will act as a sediment and heavy metals trap on the Upper

Uncompahgre River releasing relatively clean cold water downstream. And

secondly, the reservoir will act as flow regulator stabilizing the flow regime and reducing the habitat damage done by the high spring runoff flows and

dewaterlng during the Irrigation season.

For fishery maintenance on the Uncompahgre River, minimum flows of 75 cfs

from May 16 to October 31 and 45 CFS from November 1 to May 15 will be

maintained below the confluence of Cow Creek and the Uncompahgre River to the

Montrose and Delta Canal Diversion. Flows of 30 cfs will be maintained

between Rldgway Dam and Cow Creek. The flows will be maintained at all times except during extremely dry years when the flow from Rldgway Reservoir will be

restricted In Inflow to the reservoir. The Uncompahgre River from the Rldgway

tallrace to Cow Creek will be open to the public and the Colorado Division of

Wildlife will manage the trout fishery In this reach. Once the flow regime In the Uncompahgre has stabilized and the habitat Improved, the Colorado Division

of Wildlife may attempt to acquire public fishery easement from Cow Creek to

the M&D canal so they can stock and manage this 14 mile reach of river also.

The proposed AB Lateral Hydropower Project should Improve the Lower

(49)

quality Gunnison River water year round through their powerplant on the

Uncompahgre just north of Mont

rose. These releases coupled with the more

stable flow regime from Ridgway Reservoir should clean the substrate,

stabilize the channel, improve the physical and chemical environment for

trout, and stabilize or expand the riparian zone. A cold water trout fishery

could develop in the river in response to the improved habitat conditions.

However, the recreational potential of this development might not be fully

realized because of poor public access, and without access, the Colorado

Division of Wildlife would probably limit stocking and management of this

reach of river. And finally, under the proposed hydropower project there

would be a reduction in the amount of high quality Gmnnison River water and

the rainbow trout that come with it discharged into the Uncompahgre River via

the South Canal. Potentially this loss of Gunnison River water could reduce

water quality and trout habitat in the Uncompahgre River from the South Canal

outflow to Montrose. However, this loss should be offset by the release of

good quality water from Ridgway Reservoir once it is in full operation in

1990.

Cow Creek

Cow Creek is approximately 15.2 miles in length and has a good pool (run)

riffle ratio of 2:3 with pools and runs composing approximately 40 percent of

the surface area. The substrate in the upper reaches on Forest Service land

is dominated by small rubble (3-6 inches) and coarse gravel (1-3 inches),

which remains relatively free of sediments due to the steep gradient of the

channel. In its lower reaches near its confluence with the Uncompahgre River

substrate is slightly larger (large rubble and small rubble) and shows signs

of excessive sedimentation. In general, the pool-riffle ratio in this lower

(50)

The Colorado Division of Wildlife classifies Cow Creek as a "blow-out" stream.

The stream channel and Its associated habitat Is nearly completely altered

every year during spring runoff. This Inherent environmental Instability Is

probably the primary limiting factor for the development of a sport fishery In

Cow Creek.

The upper reaches of Cow Creek has a small rainbow and cutthroat trout

population but Is dominated by nongame species such as suckers, dace, and

sculplns. The Colorado Division of Wildlife feels that the cutthroat and

rainbow trout found In Cow Creek are most likely remnants of past stocking.

Natural reproduction of trout In Cow Creek Is doubtful. Fisherman use In 1975

was estimated to be 150 fisherman days. Flshablllty Is poor because of

limited public access. There Is little or no sport fish population In the

lower reaches of Cow Creek and like the upper reach Is dominated by suckers,

dace, and sculplns.

As a function of diversions, return flows, seeps, and drainages Into Cow

Creek, water quality parameters such as alkalinity, total dissolved solids,

and turbidity tend to Increase as It flows toward the Uncompahgre River.

Colorado Division of Wildlife data from 1975 Indicated Cow Creek Is almost as

turbid as the Uncompahgre River Itself. However, mamy residents familiar with

the area have suggested that Cow Creek Is frequently more turbid than the

river.

Like the Uncompahgre River, the excessive sedimentation does not appear

to significantly Impact the macrolnvertebrate population In upper Cow Creek.

The presence of relatively Intolerant species such as Ephemerella doddsl and

(51)

physical environment and good water quality. However, the excessive

sedimentation Is undoubtedly affecting the reproductive success of trout In

Cow Creek,

The Impact of the continual discharge of the heavy sediment load from Cow Creek during post-Dallas Creek fishery development for the Uncompahgre River Is uncertain. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has begun a fishery study on the Uncompahgre River from Rldgway Dam to Montrose to monitor the development of the trout fishery over the next four or five years.

(52)

(53)

w . '"'l Si. ,r^'- I. .-L-1 I^-IM>j<fri. ■ <I --■-, j#i.,j&L> , ,v*f. ^ "i , -■■ : -Ifr'' -* "i ''--{i&'^^ -- ''■ -"•—--— -

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(54)

UPPER GUNNISON/UNCOMPAGHRE STUDY

Water Quality Sampling

DATE; 9/2-3/1987

j

I

^

SITE BOTTLE « PH DO COND

TEMB^c)

TIME

A.TEMP(»>^

SROO 1 M 7. 42 7. 51 141 12. 17 5-\ 11:21 76 SROl 2 M 8. 36 7. 57 207

15.09 ir

12:52 78 upstream of ditch 8. 42 7. 58 207 16. 14 EROl 8. 44 7. 92 328 13. 88 16:03 66 TROl 8. 23 8 135 11. 54 15:01 74 TC03 4M18N4P 8. 14 7. 56 160 15. 17 13:52

@ Daly Gulch blow Agate C.

MCOO 3M30N3P 8. 33 7.69 243 14. 92 12:55 78

TCOl 35N6P 8. 56 8.6 273

18.

14 6'

14:26 82

OHCOO 26N1P 7.89 8. 43 164 8.86 51 8:47

r^j

OHCOl 28N2P 8. 37 8. 86 258 12. 42 10:51

72 (22*)

^,R01

19N5P 8. 59 8. 44 226

15.58 (^yc

15:28 78

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(55)

A/^r4-Macroinvertebrate Survey of Selected Stream and River

Reaches on the Upper Gunnison River Drainage, September 2 and 3,

River 2 and 3, Order

Family

(Genus, species)

Diptera Simuliidae (Simulium sp) Tipulidae

(Hexatoma sp)

Rhagionidade

(Atherix pachypus)

Blephariceridae (Biblocephala sp) Chironomidae Plecoptera Pteronarcidae

(Pteronarcus californica)

Perlidae (Claassenia sabulosa) Chloroperlidae

(Alloperla pilosa)

Perlodidae

(Megarcys sp)

(Isogenoides sp)

(Diura knowltoni) Tricoptera Hydropsychidae

(Arctopsyche grandis)

(Hydropsyche sp)

Glossosomatidae (Glossosoma sp) Brachycentridae

(Brachycentrus americanus)

Limnephilidae

(Ecclisomyia sp)

Ephemeroptera Heptageniidae

(Cinygmula sp)

(Rithrogena sp)

(Epeorus sp)

Baetidae (Baetis bicaudatus) . CBaetis tricaudatus) d) PO (U TJ <u •H U o c d) o iH m d) C/) CO cn u •H O f-H CJ c u c 0) f-H f—H 3 a > ?C! •H o s u CO < C u d) < u u o d) > > d) d) •H •H d) d) Pi Pi u u CJ CJ OJ OJ u 4J o o CO CO •H •H rH f-H CO CO o o X X X X V X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ]l987 Cu B T3 di CO CO CD CJ 0) O PO Pi •H d) M 1 CD •H c pa TO •rH •H PQ cn 0) u CO rH PQ PQ X CO T3 TO CJ (U f-H O CJ s Pi o 4J Pi u < 4J < < u < U i d) d) , > d) > •H d) d) •H Pi d) u Pi U u CJ c u •H o o CO rC CO p4 f-H a •H f-H •H _a 0) O B p X o p CO d) H CJ hJ a X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

(56)

Pi Pi (U (U 4J JJ 0) 0) P5 > iH C -H iH -H -H O O CJ U U Pi W fi, x: ,c (fl CO CO C Xi rO 3 CO <u W W o O H W s H H O 1-1 U Diptera Simullldae (Slmulium sp) Tipulldae (Hexatoma sp) Rhaglonldade

(Atherix pachypus)

I Blepharicerldae (Bibiocephala sp) Chironomidae X X X X Plecoptera Pteronarcidae (Pteronarcus californica) Perlidae (Claassenia sabulosa) Chloroperlidae

(Alloperla pllosa)

Perlodidae

(Megarcys sp)

(Isogenoides sp)

(Diura knowltonl) X X X X X X X X X X X X X Trlcoptera Hydropsychidae

(Arctopsyche grandis)

(Hydropsyche sp)

Glossosomatidae

(Glossosoma sp)

Brachycentridae

(Brachycentrus americanus)

Limnephilidae (Ecclisomyia sp) X X X X X X X X X X

Ephemeroptera

^

Heptagenlidae

(Cinygmula sp)

(Rithrogena sp)

(Epeorus sp)

Baetidae

(Baetis bicaudatus).

(Baetis trlcaudatus)

(Baetis hageni)

Siphlonuridae

(Ameletus velox)

Ephemerellidae

(Ephemerella tlbtalis)

(Ephemerella coloradensis)

(Ephemerella doddsl)

(Ephemerella hecuba)

Caenldae

(Caenis sp)

Coleoptera Elimldae X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X

|x |X

X

X X X X

Ix Ix

X

X X X X X X X X X

(57)

UPPER GUNNISON - Disk 87-175

Endangered Species Flow Needs

Purpose and Need

The Colorado squaw fish, bonytail chub, humpback chub and razorback

sucker were once abundant In the Upper Colorado River Basin. However, habitat

loss and alteration, as well as the Introduction of nonnatlve species, have

combined to reduce population levels to the point where they are now

threatened with extinction from their natural habitat. The Colorado

squawflsh, bonytail chub, and humpback chub are now federally listed as

endangered species, while the razorback sucker Is a candidate for listing.

Recovery

In 1986 the Fish and Wildlife Service published a Recovery Implementation

Program for Rare and Endangered Fish Species In the Upper Colorado River

Basin. This document provided a framework for a coordinated program to

protect and recover these four rare native fish species of the Upper Colorado

River Basin. Outlined In this document are the principles upon which recovery In the Upper Basin is to be based and the concrete steps that are to be

implemented as part of the comprehensive recovery program for all four

species.

A Recovery Implementation Committee (composed of representatives from the

Service, Reclamation, and the States of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, water

development Interests, and conservation organizations) will guide the recovery

program. The committee will develop recommendations for specific recovery actions to be implemented by members, in accordance with program guidelines and agency authorities. Funds will be provided from agency budgets, special Congressional appropriations, and private contributions.

(58)

There are five principal elements or tasks In this recovery program: (a)

habitat management; (b) habitat development and maintenance; (c) native fish

stocking; (d) nonnatlve species and sportflshlng; ard (e) research, data

management, and monitoring. The goal of the program Is to: *

1. protect and recover three endangered fishes(Colorado squawflsh,

humpback chub, bonj^all chub) and,

2. manage the razorback sucker so that It does not require the protection

of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) In the Upper Colorado River Basin,

consistent with water development and applicable laws and compacts.

Impacts on Upper Gunnlson

The habitat management element Is the major goal of the program which

may Impact the Upper Gunnlson Basin Study as It will Involve flows on the

Gunnlson River. The primary means of protecting hatIt at would be to acquire

or appropriate water rights. Water for flow would be appropriated In a manner

consistent with State water law. Through research, the Fish and Wildlife

Service would Identify the habitat and flow needs of the fishes In sensitive

reaches. The Secretary of the Interior would not ccndemn water rights, nor

acquire water from other than a willing seller. Possible sources of water

Include:

a. Allocating and releasing water from new and existing water storage

proj ect s,

b. Refining operations at existing and new Federal reservoirs,

c. Purchasing or leasing existing water rights, on a willing seller

basis, and converting these rights Into Instream flows rights,

d. Investigating the feaslbllllty of acquiring "excess" water resulting from agricultural water conservation and salinity control projects

(59)

e. Investigating the acquisition of nontributary ground water that could

be pumped and put into, streams, or

g. Applying for original appropriation of instream flows in surface

streams.

To date, however, only two specific actions affecting river flows have

been proposed for Colorado. They are: 1) to appropriate 5,000 acre-feet from

Ruedi Reservoir to be released in July through September as needed in 4 out of

5 years; and 2) to operate the Aspinall Unit to ensure a 2,000 cfs minimum

below the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in 9 out of 10 years.

Channel maintenance flows in the Colorado River are being discussed but

there is no concensus to date on the amount, duration, or timing of such

event s.

The Implementaion Program has a 15 year recovery time frame. The Service

is requesting a water rights acquisition fund of $10 million and a

construction fund of $5 million. The Federal Governments Annual share will be

$2.1 million while the states involved will contribute $300,000 per year.

Sponsors of private projects would be allowed to offset depletion impacts by

contributing fund to the recovery program to purchase water or to implement

other recovery activities. The amount of the depletion contribution would be

$10.00 per acre-feet.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is in the process of preparing a