HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.0 BOCC Staff Report 03.16.1998Ponderosa subdivision exhibits BOCC 3/16/98
Exhibit Explanation
A. Proof of publication
B. Certified mailing receipts
C. Application with all attachments and supplements
D. Project information and staff comments with all attachments
E. Copy of the Garfield county subdivision regulations of 1984, as amended
F. Copy of the Garfield county zoning resolution of 1978, as amended
G. Copy of the Garfield county comprehensive plans of 1981 and 1984
BOCC 3/16/98
PROJECT INFORMATION AND STAFF COMMENTS
REQUEST: Preliminary Plan consideration of the
Ponderosa Subdivision.
APPLICANT: Kenneth (Scott) Rose
LOCATION: A tract of land located within Section 5, T5S,
R93W of the 6th P.M.; located approximately
10 miles northwest of the City of Rifle, along
State Highway 13.
SITE DATA: 8.56 Acres
WATER: Shared spring/shared well
SEWER: Individual sewage disposal systems
ACCESS: Direct access to State Highway 13
EXISTING ZONING: A/R/RD
ADJACENT ZONING: North/East: O/S
South/West: R/L
I. RELATIONSHIP TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The subject tract is located within District C - Rural Areas/Minor Environmental Constraints,
as designated by the Garfield County Comprehensive Plan's Management Districts Map.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL
A. Site Description: The 8.56 acre tract is located approximately 10 miles northwest of
Rifle, along SH 13 and is currently utilized as a single family residential homesite, with
an existing mobile home occupying the site. Slope varies across the tract and in the
eastern portion exceeds 40%. However, the majority of the tract slopes at gentler
angles between 2% and 20%. Vegetation appears to be native, with pinion juniper,
sage and annual grasses scattered across the tract.
B. Adjacent Land Uses: The area is largely devoted to single-family residential, limited
agricultural and recreational land uses. See vicinity map, page c6 .
Development Proposal: The applicant proposes to subdivide the 8.56 acre tract into
two (2) parcels of 3.06 and 5.50 acres each. The larger parcel would contain the
existing mobile home and other improvements, and the smaller parcel would be
developed as a single family residential parcel. See sketch map, page
III. REVIEW AGENCY/PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Garfield School District No. Re -2: Has reviewed the proposal and due to the size of
the project, has no comment. See letter, page / C
Book Cliff Soil Conservation District: States concerns regarding erosion and
revegetation using weed -free seed, animal control, drainage, and water quality. See
letter, pages 1/- J 2— .
C. Division of Water Resources: Has evaluated the water supply documentation and in
their opinion the supply would cause material injury to decreed water rights and
would not be an adequate, physical supply. See letter, page / 3
D. Colorado Geological Survey: Has reviewed the proposal and identifies the site located
upon both landslide and alluvial fan deposits. Recommends that this subdivision be
investigat-d by a qualified engineering geologist, prior to any approval. See letter,
pages - `J
IV. MAJOR ISSUES AND CONCERNS
A. Zoning: The subject tract is located within the A/R/RD zone district and both
proposed lots meet the two (2) acre minimum lot size requirement. It appears that
slope would not be a significant constraint to development and neither lot is within an
identified, 100 -year floodplain. According to the Colorado Geological Survey, the
entire subdivision site is located on geologically hazardous terrain and building
envelopes should be evaluated and proposed by a qualified professional.
B. Physical Water Supply: The majority of the water supply would be derived from an
adjudicated spring, located east of the subdivision site, on BLM property. This supply
has been evaluated over the course of the last year, both before and after development
of the spring. This spring has been found to produce between 936 and 1195 gallons
per day and, for the duration of the flow measurements, appears to be a continual
water source. There is an existing well that may also be utilized; however, historically
it has not been a reliable water source.
In both the original engineering report and the letter provided by the Division of
Water Resources, there is concern for the amount of the physical water supply in
2
periods of prolonged drought, where the spring may not be capable of meeting even
the in-house demand.
Legal Water Supply: Originally, the existing well was the subject of a West Divide
Water Allotment contract, which was amended to include diversions made from the
springs. The springs are the subject of a conditional water right decree, wherein the
applicant was awarded an amount equivalent to 75 gallons per minute (GPM)1, for
each spring. This right is subordinate to an absolute right granted to the BLM (USA)
for an equivalent amount of 3.1 GPM, for wildlife watering and habitat. (Although
this decree is for Ponderosa Springs #1 and #2, only Spring #2 has been developed
and measured.)
Obviously, the spring is not flowing at this rate, which underscores the issue
associated with the Division of Water Resources' opinion that a call could be placed
on the spring and possible curtailment of the water source to the subdivision. Since
the BLM has the absolute right, it appears that the Division does not consider the
statement made by Roy Smith, BLM Water Rights and Instream Flow Coordinator
(wherein the BLM would not place a call on the spring), to be enforceable and
suggests a call on the subdivision water supply is possible.
A Supplemental Water Supply Report was submitted prior to the Planning
Commission review of this subdivision and forwarded to the SEO for its review and
additional comment. To, date, the SEO has not provided its written opinion
concerning injury to senior water rights and physical adequacy of the supply.
Staff has evaluated this supplemental report and, based on this information, it appears
that the flow of the spring is sufficient to provide a domestic supply to the subdivision
lots. Staff notes that the Subdivision Regulations are silent to an actual, physical
supply that is sufficient to serve the needs of a particular subdivision. In staff's
opinion, this water supply is marginal and pushes the limit of a physical water supply.
However, in staffs experience with Garfield County, a more -detailed physical water
supply report, for a subdivision of this size, has never been submitted for review. If
the engineer's calculations and assumptions concerning the long-term flow rate from
the spring are correct, then an adequate, in-house water supply probably exists. See
Report, pages g — Z 5 .
C. Soils/Sewer: The method of waste water disposal is the use of ISD systems for the
individual lots. According to the Soil Conservation Service, soils on-site are
predominantly within the Nihill channery loam classification, typically deep and well -
drained soils. When used for community development and the placement of ISD
systems, these soils are considered, by the SCS, to have severe constraints. On July
25, 1996, percolation tests were performed, indicating that conventional septic
1 0.1666 cubic feet x 7.48 gallons x 60 sec = 74.7 gallons
1 sec 1 CF 1 min 1 min
systems could be utilized. See report, page 2G . Given this information, it is
likely that a conventional ISD system could be utilized.
D. Access: Access to the lots would be from the historical access point, which would
be developed as a shared easement, proposed to be 30 feet wide. Regulations require
this 30 foot easement, which may be developed with a single travel lane, 12 feet in
width. Flows from an existing drainage gully would be directed through a 36 inch
culvert to provide access to the designated building envelope for Lot 1. The State
highway department has recently issued a driveway permit that approves access to the
proposed lots. Site distances along State Highway 13 are sufficient and staff sees no
special problems associated with access, as long as it is constructed in a way that does
not impede the historic drainage flows.
E. Fire Protection: The Rifle Fire Protection District has responded, suggesting this
subdivision would not materially impact the ability of the District to provide services.
The District does request that the applicant create defensible space around the
dwellings and instructs the applicant to work with neighbors to identify water supplies
for fire fighting purposes. See letter, page 2:3 . Staff suggests the inclusion of
the standard plat note addressing wildfire mitigation.
F. Natural Hazards: According to Exhibit H of the application,' the eastern portion of
the subdivision site is identified on a landslide deposit (Qls) and the western portion
is identified on an alluvial fan deposit (Qfy). The Colorado Geological Survey has
conducted an analysis of the site and strongly recommends that these hazards be
evaluated by a qualified professional, and an appropriate building envelope, for Lot
#1, be designated on the plat.
Pursuant to the CGS written responses, the proposed building envelopes have been
further evaluated by the applicant's engineer and geologist. This evaluation has
considered the size of the upstream drainage basin, the 100 year flood flow rate and
the relative elevation of the proposed building envelope. This study concludes that
flood flows in excess of the 100 year flood would not affect the building envelope as
it is currently proposed. See letters and information, pages 3 b .
The engineering evaluation states that the landslide deposits on proposed Lot #2 are
not active and proposes that, if the subdivision is approved, the building envelope be
further evaluated, with site specific testing for building permit application.
G. Easements: All required easements for access, utilities, water supply, etc.,would be
required to be shown on an a final plat.
'Preliminary Geologic Map of the Horse Mountain Quadrangle, Garfield County,
Colorado
H. School Site Acquisition Fees: The applicant would be required to pay the $200.00
school site acquisition fee, for the creation of the subdivision parcel.
V. SUGGESTED FINDINGS
1. That proper publication and public notice and posting were provided as required by
law for the hearing before the Planning Commission and the Board of County
Commissioners.
That the hearings before the Planning Commission and the Board of County
Commissioners were extensive and complete, that all pertinent facts, matters and
issues were submitted and that all interested parties were heard at the hearing.
3. That the proposed subdivision of land is in general conformity with the
recommendations set forth in the Comprehensive Plan for the unincorporated area of
the County.
4. That the proposed subdivision of land conforms to the Garfield County Zoning
Resolution.
5. That all data, surveys, analyses, studies, plans and designs as are required by the State
of Colorado and Garfield County have been submitted and, in addition, have been
found to meet the requirements of the Garfield County Subdivision Regulations.
VL RECOMMENDATION
At its February 11, 1998, session, the Garfield County Planning Commission recommended
APPROVAL (7-0) of the Ponderosa Subdivision, subject to the following conditions:
1. That all representations of the applicant, either within the application or stated at the
meeting before the Planning Commission, shall be considered conditions of approval.
A Final Plat shall be submitted, indicating the legal description of the property,
dimension and area of the proposed lots, access to a public right-of-way, and any
proposed easements for setbacks, water supply, drainage, irrigation ditches, access,
utilities, etc.
3. The applicant shall prepare and submit a Subdivision Improvements Agreement
addressing all on-site improvements, prior to the submittal of a final plat.
4. That the applicant shall submit school site acquisition fees, for the creation of the
additional subdivision parcel, prior to authorization of a final plat. The applicant shall
be notified of the actual fee that will be applicable at time of submittal of the final plat.
5. That the following plat notes shall be included on the final plat:
"Pursuant to C.R.S. 30-28-136(h)(I), the State Engineer has found that the water
supply for this subdivision will result in the material injury of senior water rights. All
prospective future owners are advised to seek a copy of the State Engineer's
opinion."
"The minimum defensible space distance shall be 30 feet on level terrain, plus
appropriate modification to recognize the increased rate of fire spread at sloped sites.
The methodology described in "Determining Safety Zone Dimensions, Wildfire Safety
Guidelines for Rural Homeowners," (Colorado State Forest Service) shall be used to
determine defensible space requirements for the required defensible space within
building envelopes in areas exceeding five (5) percent grade."
"Soil conditions on the site may require engineered septic systems and will require
engineered building foundations based on site-specific soils testing."
"The individual lot owners shall be responsible for the control of noxious weeds."
6. That the final plat submittal include a copy of a computer disk of the plat data,
formatted for use on the County Assessor's CAD system.
That all proposed lots shall comply with the Garfield County Zoning Resolution of
1978, as amended, and any building shall comply with the 1994 Uniform Building
Code, as adopted.
8. The water rights associated with the Ponderosa Spring #2, together with the well
permit(s), shall be transferred by the developer to a homeowner's association which
shall have the power and the duty to enforce compliance by lot owners with the
terms and conditions of the well permit. Appropriate Protective Covenants shall
further require compliance with the terms and conditions of the well permit.
9. That the following provisions be included in the protective covenants governing the
subdivision:
One (1) dog will be allowed for each residential unit within this subdivision and the
dog shall be required to be confined within the owner's property boundaries.
Enforcement provisions shall be developed for allowing the removal of a dog from the
area, as a final remedy in worst cases.
No open hearth solid -fuel fireplaces will be allowed anywhere within this subdivision.
One (1) new solid -fuel burning stove as defined by C.R.S. 25-7-401, et. seq., and the
regulations promulgated thereunder, will be allowed in any dwelling unit. All dwelling
units will be allowed an unrestricted number of natural gas burning stoves and
appliances.
All exterior lighting shall be the minimum amount necessary and all exterior lighting
shall be directed inward, towards the interior of the subdivision, except that provisions
may be made to allow for safety lighting that goes beyond the property boundaries.
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September 29, 1997
(QCT 0 1997
ICL OC/J;44TY
Jarfk[cf School (District o. e-2
J,nnard (Eckhardt Superintendent
*i.,wrence (D. Mc(3ride ,associate Superintendent
Garfield County Planning Department
109 8th Street, Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
To Whom It May Concern:
The Garfield Re -2 Board of Directors has reviewed the Ponderosa Subdivision
preliminary plan request which is going before the planning commission on November
12. Due to the size of the project, there were no concerns or comments.
Sincerely,
Lennard Eckhardt
Superintendent
839 (Whiteriver Avenue, Ct Te, Colorado 81650-3500
1970) 625-7600 .ax 625-7623
BOOK CLIFF SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 1302
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81602
October 3, 1997
Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Planning Department
109 8th Street, Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Dear Sir,
1..i � 22 1 •- �+"t
twt0'61991H
GAFfELQ Cvi1:v"! Y
At the regular monthly meeting of the Book Cliff Soil
Conservation District, the Board reviewed the application and
plan for the The Ponderosa Subdivision and have the following
comments and concerns about the project.
Any cuts for roads or construction should be revegetated to
prevent erosion. Weed free seed and mulch should be used for any
reseeding of the area. Monitoring of all seeding should be done
to see if the grass is establishing or if weeds are becoming a
problem. Reseeding or weed control practices should be
implemented if a problem is noticed.
The board is always concerned about animal control in an area
where there is the potential for conflict between wildlife or
domestic livestock and dogs from the subdivision. Dogs running
in packs of two or more can maim or kill domestic livestock and
wildlife. The District recommends animal control regulations be
adopted in the covenants for the subdivision and that they be
enforced.
Of prime concern to the Board, is the proper maintenance and
protection of any irrigation ditch which is on the site. New
landowners should be informed that the ditch owners have right of
way easement to maintain the irrigation system, that they will
be cleaning and working on the ditch, and that this work may be
in their yards.
The district would like to know what the impact will be on the
Wetlands in this area? All Wetlands should be protected and
remain in as pristine condition as possible.
The Board recommends that any irrigation water rights be used by
the landowners so they are maintained. In order to use these
rights, a raw water delivery system could be used for landscape,
fire protection, open space, etc. If at all possible, this system
should be incorporated into the infa-structure of the subdivision
plans as it would be more cost efficient at this time. Their
concern is always for soil and water conservation and
preservation and plans should consider these concerns.
Drainage has the potential to be a problem in the area and
engineering recommendations for control of drainage should be
closely followed by the builder and/or homeowner.
They felt that any disturbance of soil could adversely affect
other landowners, and great care should be taken to mitigate as
many of the problems as possible which arise when building on an
alluvial fan deposit area.
With increased concerns about Water Quality, the District is
concerned about monitoring chemical application for fertilizer,
weed control, and other pest management reasons. Their concern is
the chemicals that will be used to fertilize grasses and control
weeds in the area. They feelthat the chemicals should be
closely monitored in this area due to the possibility that the
chemicals will soak into the soils and run off into the creeks.
The District suggests drilling of wells to monitor ground water
pollution, and that this expense and future expenses should be
bore by the developer.
Sincerely,
I
Charles Ryden, 1 esident
Book Cliff Soil Conservation District
STATE OF COLORADO
OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER
Division of Water Resources
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Room 818
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone (303) 866-3581
FAX (303) 866-3589
October 27, 1997
Mr. Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Building and Planning
109 8th St Ste 303
Glenwood Springs CO 81601
,cr 0 199 :.
���,�.!' • . Romer
`tj N 1 Governor
y�.h }� i'r� �•'`' r James S. Lochhead
Executive Director
Hal D. Simpson
State Engineer
Re: Ponderosa Subdivision
SWI% Sec. 5, T5S, R93W, 6TH PM
W. Division 5, W. District 39
Dear Mr.. McCafferty:
We have reviewed the above referenced proposal to create two single family lots on a parcel of 8.56
acres. The proposed water supply is to be provided through a shared well and two springs, one of which has
been improved. The springs were decreed in consolidated case nos. 95CW11/96CW166.
As noted in our previous letter of June 21, 1996, permit no. 46279-F was issued on June 20, 1996, for
expansion of use of the existing well with permit no. 185364. Permit no. 46729-F was issued pursuant to a
water allotment contract with the West Divide Water Conservancy District, and allows the well to be used for
ordinary household purposes inside two single family dwellings, the irrigation of a total of 24,000 square feet
of lawns and garden, and the watering of domestic animals.
In contrast, the Water Supply Report prepared by Zancanella and Associates indicates that the water
supply is not adequate for the proposed uses. The report states that historically the well has experienced
shortages in meeting the water requirements of the existing home, and that the improved spring, Ponderosa
Spring #2, is not capable of meeting the assumed irrigation demand. Based on data gathered from October
of 1996 through August of 1997, the report indicates that Ponderosa Spring # 2 appears more than adequate
to meet the in-house demands of the subdivision. However, there is no data to support the conclusion that
the water supply will be adequate during drought periods. The decree in consolidated case no.
95CW11/96CW166 also indicates that the applicants uses are junior to the Bureau of Land Management's
uses, which means that there is a possibility that the applicant may be called out, with no augmentation plan
in place to allow continued diversions without injury to the senior water right.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 30-28-136(1)(h)(I), C.R.S., it is our opinion that the proposed water
supply will cause material injury to decreed water rights and that the water supply is not adequate to meet
requirements of the proposed subdivision. If you or the applicant has any questions concerning this matter,
please contact Craig Lis of this office for assistance.
Sincerely,
Steve Lautenschlager
Assistant State Engineer
SPL/CML/ponde_sr.doc
cc: Orlyn Bell, Division Engineer
James Lemon, Water Commissioner, District 38
STATE OF COLOMJJC
COLORADO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Division of Minerals and Geology
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Room 715
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone (303) 866-2611
FAX (303) 866-2461
October 30, 1997
No7ii
DEPARTMENT OF
,NATURAL
SOURCES
Mr. Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Department Building and Planning
109 8th Street, Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
NOV 0 3 1997
ay Romer
lOovernor
games S. Lochhead
ecutive Director
-
chael B. Long
CiotilHELD Gcivision Director
�+) ��,N� , , `/ Vicki Cowart
State Geologist
"fir,, and Director
RE: Ponderosa Subdivision Preliminary Plan Land Use Review
Dear Mr. McCafferty:
At your request and in accordance to Senate Bill 35 (1972) this office has reviewed the
materials submitted for this proposed subdivision and conducted a site inspection on October 28,
1997. The property is northwest of Rifle, located on the edge of the steep hills of the Grand
Hogback. The Grand Hogback is a monocline where the Mesa Verde Sandstones beds are steeply
inclined and form the very steep ridges and flatirons.
This office has reviewed the preliminary plan for the subdivision. In that plan are the
excerpts from the latest geologic map of the Horse Mountain Quadrangle and the SCS soils report.
Within the plan it is stated that `Further geologic investigation is not warranted for this simple two
lot subdivision.' It is not appropriate for a lawyer to be making land use judgements concerning
geologic hazards.
A review of the geologic map insert in the preliminary plan, in fact, shows that the site
bridges two different mapped geologic units. Both landslide and alluvial fans terrains are potentially
hazardous and can create problems for residential land usage.
A large portion of Lot #2 lies within the landslide complex. While the location of the
existing trailer home is acceptable, as is most of the southwest portion of the lot, we do not
recommend acceptance of the building envelope as shown on the preliminary map plan. The entire
portion of the lot #2 north of the power line easement, and the eastern margin, lie within the mapped
landslide and should be excluded from approved building envelopes within the lot.
Lot #1 lies entirely on an alluvial fan. Alluvial fans are created by sediments that are
transported by water. The bulk of the sediment is deposited during debris flow storm events. The
fan shape is the result of the channel constantly moving. They wander over the entire fan because
debris flows have the ability to bridge, or plug off, established channels and create new ones. In our
field inspection we verified that the drainage that divides the two lots comes from a small basin that
only extends to the rock face of the flatirons. That basin is several feet lower than the elevation of
the main drainage where it exits the ridgeline onto the fan. There is only about a two foot saddle of
earth that prevents the lower basin from capturing the main drainage and directing this much larger
flow towards the two lots. Another potential hazard that can result from alluvial fans are
hydrocompactive soils. These soils have the property where they compress, or settle, when they
become wetted. This type of settlement can create serious problems with shallow foundations and
slab on grades.
Our recommendation to the county is that they not grant approval for this land use until the
landowner provides them with a professional engineering geologist's analysis, opinions, and
recommendations on the hazards mentioned above. We recommend that the County resubmit this
additional data to the CGS for our review. If you have any questions please contact this office at
(303) 894-2167.
Sincerely,
ur+
Jonathan L. White
Engineering Geologist
P.O. Box 1908
1005 Cooper Ave.
Glenwood Springs,
CO 81602
Z4NC4NELL4 4N0 455OCI4TES, INC.
ENGINEERING CONSuLVaNTS
December 10, 1997
Mr. Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Planning Dept.
109 - 8th Street, Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 945-5700
(970) 945-1253 Fax
k DEC 'i u 1997.
cloviF=LD l:t.duN iY
�r
RE: Ponderosa Subdivision - Supplemental Water Supply Investigations
Dear Eric:
Zancanella & Associates, Inc. has conducted additional investigations into the water supply
of the Ponderosa Subdivision being proposed by Mr. Kenneth Rose. We have prepared
this letter to summarize additional work which has been completed and to highlight the
issues surrounding the proposed water supply. This letter should be considered
supplemental to our letter dated August 19, 1997. As stated in our earlier letter, and
supported by additional research and developments, we believe the proposed water supply
will provide an adequate water supply to serve the in-house needs of the two lot
subdivision.
Background History
As you may recall, the demands for the development were based on in-house uses only
for two single family residences (one unit per lot). Each house was estimated to have 3.5
people each using 100 gallons per day for a total of 350 gallons per day per house, or 700
gallons per day for the development. We believe this estimate to be slightly conservative
and provides a good planning estimate. We have seen water estimates used by others
of 80 gallons per person per day. We believe the lower use estimates are justifiable for
homes with low water use fixtures and appliances. The existing home at the site, which
utilizes such fixtures, has averaged approximately 70 gallons per day diverted from
Ponderosa Spring No. 2 since a meter was installed last July. The supply of irrigation
water is not a project goal of the developer and should be considered a supplemental
demand. We have previously recommended that a note on the subdivision plat be
required noting the irrigation supply is supplemental to the in-house demands of the
development. The Rose water rights include irrigation uses.
The water supply for the development consists of a well and the Ponderosa Spring Nos.
1 and 2. The well is not currently used at the existing home. The springs are located on
the adjacent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property at the base of the Grand
Hogback. The Ponderosa Spring No. 2 was developed in February of 1997 and currently
serves the existing home.
Page -1-
The spring can be visually observed exiting an scarp on the hillside. The flows exit the
scarp and pass through a vegetated area approximately 15 feet in length prior to entering
an infiltration gallery with a spring collection box. The Ponderosa Spring No.2 spring box
installed by Mr. Rose is elevated on washed rock material which allows for a bypass flow
to a lower elevation drain pipe which collects portions of the uncaptured spring flows and
delivers it to a small watering area (5 -foot diameter by 1 -foot deep pond). It should be
noted that the spring development is not situated on top of formation and additional
uncaptured spring flows exist below the Rose improvements.
The small watering area was constructed with a impermeable liner and then covered with
native rock material. The watering area was developed by Mr. Rose to supply a bypass
flow for wildlife watering water rights developed by the BLM. The BLM water rights for the
spring were adjudicated junior to Mr. Roses rights in the Ponderosa Springs. However, in
consolidated Case Nos. 95CW111 and 96CW166 the decree remarks that the Rose rights
are to be administered junior to the BLM rights as per a stipulation attached to the decree.
Investigation of the physical supplies available from the Ponderosa Spring No.2 were
undertaken with a field visit and implementation of a spring monitoring program in October
of 1996. The geologic formation that the spring exits appears to be comprised of a low
permeable cemented material. The spring has created a small gully located on the hillside
below the base of the Hogback. Minimal vegetation and water pooling was observed at
the original spring. Vegetation or flows were undetectable approximately 70 feet below its
discharge where it appeared all of the springs flow had percolated back into the earth.
Prior to the spring development, the spring flows were measured to be 959 gallons per day.
Measurements taken the following February and May indicated that the spring flows
maintained at a fairly consistent level. The measured flows did not include the flows being
bypassed to the BLM. A summary of spring flow data is presented in the following Table
1.
Table 1
Ponderosa Spring #2 - Flow Measurem
Dat®F F .a �� 4
Flow'{gal/min), .
Flow (gal/day)
October 17, 1996 11
0.66
959
February 15, 1997
0.75
1,080
May 15, 1997
0.65
936
June 14, 1997
0.83
1,195
August 10, 1997
0.81
1,166
September 15,1997
0.87
1,252
October 19, 1997
1.08
1,555
November 15, 1997
1.09
1,570
„Measured prior to spring development.
Based on the installation of the existing storage tanks, it was our opinion that the single
spring would serve the needs for the two lot development. However, the production of the
Page -2-
spring during a severe drought period was unknown due to the lack of observations during
such a period. It was our opinion, that based on the consistent flows measured over the
winter of 1996 and 1997, the aquifer exhibited characteristics that it had the ability to store
inflow and make releases at steady levels. In other words, the groundwater aquifer
characteristics which prevents this spring from experiencing high "gushing" discharges
fluctuating through time during varying precipitation events, supports its ability to provide
continued supply during dry periods. In the event that reduced spring flows occurred
during a drought period it was assumed that the Ponderosa Spring No.1 could be
developed to enhance the supply.
Review of the proposed water supply by the Colorado Division of Water Resources was
completed by Steve Lautenschlager and summarized in a letter dated October 27,1997.
It was the state's opinion that the proposed water supply plan would cause injury to the
BLM's rights at the spring and was not adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed
subdivision.
The concern over the BLM injury is based on the BLM's instantaneous diversion amount
of 0.007 cfs (3.1 gallons per minute) which was stipulated to be senior in priority to the
Rose rights. This amount is obviously greater than the observed flows at the spring and
theoretically could require the Rose rights to bypass all flows to the BLM. We believe that
a potential call from the BLM is unrealistic due to the location and decreed use of the BLM
rights. In order for the BLM to place a call on the rights it would require beneficial use of
the spring flows. We believe a call by the BLM for the entire spring flows would result in
water percolating back into the ground below any watering areas. Any water called and
not being used to meet the decreed wildlife uses would thus be considered wasteful which
could nullify the call. Additionally, the lack of any constructed diversion facilities by the
BLM and the inability to measure uncaptured spring flows raises doubts as to wether a call
could be enforced.
It is our understanding that the BLM requested the senior status to the Rose rights to
insure the existing vegetation was not dried up and enough flows were available to meet
wildlife watering demands. Based on improvements to the spring which and the addition
of the bypass/watering area, we believe the BLM was satisfied with the water split at the
spring. This is evidenced by the letter prepared by Roy Smith of the BLM who indicated
the developments by Mr. Rose were adequate for the BLM uses and would not be subject
to a call. To further define the BLM's position, a subsequent agreement (attached) was
approved by the BLM which quantified the volume of water which could be called. The
volume amount was determined based on a measurement of the bypass flow at the spring.
Based on the agreement with the BLM and other issues pertaining to the administration
of these rights, which will be discussed later in this letter, we do not believe a call will be
placed by the BLM or be administered against the Rose rights as long as the current
bypass flows are maintained.
It has been our experience that the state typically does not require proof of the dry year or
"drought" yield of groundwater supply's. Such estimates are difficult to examine due to the
various unknown physical characteristics associated with the aquifer combined with the
Page -3-
_ /5J
unknown recharge amounts (typically precipitation). Nonetheless, due to the relatively
small discharge flows of the spring, additional investigations are warranted to better
understand the potential future flow production rates. Our investigations into the reliability
of the spring have been focused on examining the recent spring flows and precipitation
events and comparing them to historic precipitation records and streamflow conditions in
the area of the spring. Additionally, we believe the reliability of the spring is best supported
by historic accounts of similar spring users near the proposed subdivision.
Physical Water Supply
The hydrologic cycle is a complex process which has many factors which determine the
amount of precipitation that is converted to either surface runoff or groundwater recharge.
A detailed groundwater study of the subject aquifer is not feasible and still would require
numerous assumptions to estimate future spring production rates. However, we can
examine past precipitation data to gauge the relative impact of historic drought conditions
in the area of the spring. Although the comparison of historic precipitation data can not tell
us directly what the future flows will be, it can act as a barometer to the severity of historic
drought conditions as compared against average conditions.
The Ponderosa Subdivision is located at the base of the Grand Hogback several miles
north of Rifle. The estimated average annual precipitation at the site is approximately 15
to 16 inches per year based on isoheytal maps prepared by the Colorado Climate Center.
National Weather Service cooperative weather stations have recorded historic precipitation
records in this area for the locations of Grand Junction, Rifle, Meeker, Glenwood Springs,
and the Altenbern Ranch near Debeque. The closest weather station would be the City
of Rifle. Examination of historic precipitation data for the Rifle station indicates the long
term annual average is approximately 11.6 inches per year. The attached Table 2
summarizes the available monthly and annual precipitation amounts recorded at the Rifle
station for the periods of 1940 to 1996. The following Table 3 summarizes the long term
average annual precipitation values for the other weather stations.
Table 3 - Average Annual Precipitation (inches)
Station Grand Jct Rifle Meeker Glnwd Spgs Altenbern
Precip. 8.9 11.6 13.3 16.7 16.9
As can be seen in Table 2, the precipitation values range from a low at Grand Junction of
approximately 8.9 inches per year to a high at Altenbern of 16.7 inches per year. The
lowest annual recorded precipitation at the Rifle station for a complete year occurred in
1962 and totaled 8.0 inches. It is interesting to note that although we believe Rifle could
be classified as an area below the state average precipitation, the relative difference
between its average precipitation and its driest record period is not extreme (approximately
69% or 8.0/11.6).
The attached Table 4 summarizes recent monthly precipitation data for the above stations.
The Rifle station was discontinued in July of 1996 to August of 1997. During this period
Page -4-
we have estimated the monthly precipitation amounts for Rifle by averaging the other
station monthly totals prorated by the ratio of the stations long term averages. The
precipitation data for the year prior to the initial spring flow measurements totaled 11.3
inches and can be considered average. We believe the spring flows observed during the
winter of 1996 to 1997 were average discharge levels experienced under average
precipitation conditions. Therefore, average flows from the spring are approximately 1,000
gallons per day. Assuming the dry year production of the spring is reduced by the same
ratio as the dry year versus average year precipitation levels, then the dry year flow of
Spring No.2 would be approximately 690 gallons per day (1,000 gallons/day * 69%).
Available streamflow records were examined for a gaging station maintained on Rifle
Creek for the period of 1939 to 1964. Unit runoff values were determined for the winter
periods which we believe more accurately represents groundwater flow contributions
versus surface runoff. The average unit runoff during this period was calculated to be 0.51
inches. The driest or drought year value was recorded in 1954 and was approximately
0.27 inches. Although the runoff characteristics of a large stream can not be correlated
directly to the spring flows, the ratio of the average versus driest year records aids as an
additional tool to show extreme conditions. Based on the extreme streamflow ratio of 50%
(0.27/0.51), and assuming the spring were to experience similar characteristics, the Rose
dry year flows would average approximately 500 gallons per day from the Ponderosa
Spring No. 2. We believe that if the spring were to drop to these levels, then the
Ponderosa Spring No. 1 would have to be developed to meet the full 700 gallons per day
demands. The flow production of the Spring No. 1 has been previously estimated by Rose
and the BLM to be equivalent to the Flows of Spring No. 2. Conservatively assuming that
the Spring No. 1 flows were 50% of Spring No. 2, then the combined supply would be
sufficient to meet the in-house demands of the development. We do not believe the
development of the second spring will be required.
The above Table 1 shows that spring flows have steadily increased during the past 6
months of monitoring. The increased spring flows can be correlated with above average
rainfall rates during the last 8 months which have totaled approximately 14.5 inches.
Review of the Division of Water Resources 1996 water rights tabulation indicates that
multiple spring rights have been adjudicated along the base of the Hogback near the
subject site. We believe there is a confining layer at the base of the Hogback which forces
the groundwater to the surface. The nearest water right is the Corlett Spring located at the
next residence below Rose's property along Highway 13. The approximate spring location
is shown on Figure No. 1. Decreed conditional in 1980 for 0.018 cfs (8.0 gpm), this right
has been made absolute for only 0.0033 cfs (1.5 gpm) which is approximately equal to the
magnitude of the total flow production from the Ponderosa Spring No. 2. The Corlett
Spring was developed by Mr. "Buzz" Corlett who has lived and worked in the area along
the Hogback for over 50 years. Mr. Corlett indicated that his spring, along with multiple
other springs which he has developed for other individuals along the Hogback do not
fluctuate seasonally or annually. Mr. Corlett also indicated that his spring has always been
adequate to serve his residence and that he has never seen any of the springs along the
Hogback dry up. These include springs developed by other domestic users as well as BLM
Page -5-
l9
springs he has observed while hiking or hunting. Mr. Corlett was very cooperative in our
discussions and indicated the willingness to discuss the history of this area as may be
required in the future.
Water Rights Administration
The Rose and BLM spring water rights are only administered amongst each other with no
water rights uphill from the spring. Although water rights below the spring exist on
Government Creek, we do not believe they materially contribute to the Government Creek
surface flows and could be administered as a futile call. This position was recognized by
the District 39 water commissioner. Based on the current development of the spring and
the agreement with the BLM, we do not believe the spring flows diverted by Rose could be
called out by the BLM rights.
Even without the current agreement, the BLM would have to demonstrate beneficial uses
of any additional called water. Wildlife water use demands are not a typical demand
estimate that we have examined in the past and is therefore difficult to quantify. However,
for discussion purposes we can estimate the ability of the spring to provide water demands
for deer which we believe would pose the largest demand potential for this area. The daily
consumption requirement of a deer is approximately 4.6 gallons per day. This is based on
water use requirements for livestock (15 gpd) prorated by the daily forage requirements
between the two animals. The current bypass of water is approximately 176 gallons per
day. The current bypass flows could therefore supply the water needs of approximately
38 deer daily. This high demand is improbable based on wildlife observations in this area.
We believe the BLM demand will be satisfied by the current bypass which will also be
served by the lowest level of water produced from the spring. Additional calls by the BLM
are unrealistic. We believe this opinion is supported by the cooperative efforts which have
been demonstrated by the BLM with regard to this issue.
Recent discussions with the Division of Water Resources have indicated that the state may
not administratively recognize the agreement between the two parties. This position is
based on a policy of not recognizing "selective calls". Our understanding of the definition
of the selective call is that a senior water right can't selectively not place a call against one
or more junior rights while still placing a calls against other junior rights. We agree with this
policy which we believe equally protects all water rights. However, we do not feel that it is
applicable to the spring because there are no other water rights administered in connection
with the spring (i.e. no upstream rights and futile call downstream). Furthermore, if the
state were to strictly enforce this administration policy and not recognize the agreement,
then we believe that the state would not be able to enforce the stipulation agreement of the
water rights in the decree. This is because the stipulation essentially allows the senior
rights of Rose in the spring not to place a call against the junior water rights of the BLM.
Or in other words the stipulation with the subordination of the Rose rights to the BLM fits
the definition of a selective call.
Summary
The following comments summarize our opinion of the proposed water supply.
1. The current physical water supply produced from Ponderosa Spring No. 2 is
sufficient to meet the in-house demands of the proposed development. It is not the
goal of the developer or the water supply to provide a reliable yield for irrigation
uses. The plat should note the priority of in-house water uses over irrigation use.
2. The aquifer supplying the spring has shown characteristics that it has the ability to
detain inflow (precipitation) and produce steady flows. The low transmissivity of the
aquifer will therefore will still produce flows even during or following periods of dry
or "drought" conditions. The aquifer properties are supported by the consistent
flows observed at the spring through the first winter of observations followed by a
moderate increase of flows during a period in which the precipitation is above
average.
3. The spring flows observed during initial monitoring stages are assumed to be
average conditions based on the average amount of precipitation which occurred
during the previous year. The average spring flow available to the Rose rights at
the Ponderosa Spring No. 2 are 1,000 gallons per day. Demands of the
development have been conservatively estimated to be 700 gallons per day.
4. Average annual precipitation recorded at the Rifle weather station is 11.6 inches per
year. The lowest year of precipitation over the last 57 years has been 8.0 inches.
We believe the ratio between these values (69%) is not extreme. The Rifle area
appears to be below average and therefore the ratio to the drought condition is not
as drastic as might be compared for other areas in the state where the average
precipitation values are higher. Assuming this ratio correlates to the same
percentage of reduced spring flows, then the single spring could still meet the
development's demands.
5. Streamflow records for Rifle Creek have indicated that the single winter season
lowest streamflow amount was approximately 50% of average streamflow
conditions. Assuming similar conditions developed for the spring , then 500 gallons
per day would be available from Spring No. 2. If such an event were to occur, either
the Spring No. 1 could be developed to meet the full demands or water conservation
measures could be implemented by the development for the drought conditions.
Due to the relative small size of the development we do not believe the
development of Ponderosa Spring No. 1 is warranted at this time.
6. The best indicator of future production rates of the spring can be based on the
production of similar type springs located near the proposed subdivision. Multiple
water rights have been developed along the base of the Hogback with similar
geographic locations as the subject springs. The nearest spring was decreed by
Buzz Corlett who has indicated that his spring has not fluctuated through time and
Page -7-
-2-/-
has always provided a reliable supply to his residence. Mr. Corlett has also
developed springs for others in this area as well as observed non developed springs
which have all maintained flows even during dry years. We believe the Corlett
spring is very similar to the Ponderosa Spring based on geographic locations and
observed flow rates.
7 The development of the spring allows a physical bypass of water to the BLM for
wildlife watering. The bypass flows were measured to be 176 gallons per day. Any
reductions in spring flows will occur to the Rose diversions with the lower level BLM
flows maintained.
8. BLM has acknowledged the spring improvements completed by Mr. Rose and has
subsequently offered cooperation to demonstrate their intention of not placing a call
on the Rose rights. The BLM's cooperation has been demonstrated by a letter
submittal and agreement from the BLM's water rights coordinator. The agreement
requires Rose to provide 160 gallons per day of bypass flow.
9. Additional BLM calls above the current bypass requirements are unrealistic due to
the lack of demands which we believe could be claimed. This assumes that a call
from the BLM would have to be consumed otherwise the water not utilized could be
considered wasteful. The administerability of a BLM call is questionable to the lack
of any diversion structures, measuring devices, and uncaptured spring flows.
10. We believe the water split agreement with the BLM can be administratively operated
due to the lack of any calling upstream or downstream rights. If the policy of a no
"selective calls" is enforced by the Division of Water Resources, then we believe the
state would also have to not enforce the selective call nature of the existing decreed
stipulation.
If you have any questions, please call our office at (970) 945-5700.
Very truly yours,
Zancanella & Associates, Inc.
e
Christopher Manera, P.E.
Encl
cc: John Savage
Kenneth Scott Rose
\\Gateway 48650\f\96339\Mcferty2.wpd
Page -8-
-22-.
Station - 57031
Table 2
Monthly Climatic Data for RIFLE for years 1940 - 1996
Latitude - 3931 Longitude - 10747
Elevation - 5300
Total month
411 1281 7
1991
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Annual
11.4
1992
19
61
112
30
229
75
213
60
146
161
97
64
1940
162
128
94
144
40
23
86
169
206
172
86
110
14.2
1941
92
75
191
150
82
126
43
104
158
311
112
75
15.2
1942
47
100
84
141
35
20
127
43
57
126
55
20
8.6
1943
99
42
146
23
178
150
39
253
53
131
16
76
12.1
1944
182
65
75
116
30
66
99
29
7
45
203
25
9.4
1945
36
114
131
112
122
140
75
65
32
97
88
66
10.8
1946
24
24
60
276
173
65
65
225
51
291
123
93
14.7
1947
61
56
97
105
66
160
125
98
71
144
56
63
11.0
1948
94
143
174
68
9
138
87
112
42
90
79
163
12.0
1949
120
22
152
65
29
80
109
109
131
60
21
64
9.6
1950
186
48
36
56
42
2
163
25
117
21
67
111
8.7
1951
145
48
21
115
69
103
47
156
44
117
64
406
13.4
1952
105
25
180
16
78
64
56
226
6
0
53
42
8.5
1953
64
19
116
127
173
65
117
208
31
148
143
35
12.5
1954
87
29
86
93
76
155
150
194
232
146
152
57
14.6
1955
94
98
20
47
171
54
78
139
15
56
169
72
10.1
1956
131
131
20
127
9
12
154
85
0
85
49
82
8.9
1957
275
91
116
129
279
210
136
418
16
334
139
77
22.2
1958
25
101
102
62
31
24
77
22
151
29
53
M
6.8 M
1959
62
154
40
167
42
. 97
10
240
153
172
7
78
12.2
1960
67
126
119
62
53
20
2
55
51
52
61
58
7.3
1961
1
55
114
92
101
7
26
115
287
108
65
70
10.4
1962
104
219
17
97
51
16
23
12
69
89
52
47
8.0
1963
61
28
63
37
2
78
23
155
1151 151
78
40
8.3
1964
65
14
72
82
140
116
50
101
96
3
105
110
9.5
1965
67
52
128
60
43
110
203
36
231
52
104
58
11.4
1966
53
37
12
45
111
10
24
47
45
172
39
241
8.4
1967
54
34
41
50
161
224
184
107
135
43
57
229
13.2
1968
32
213
39
118
61
9
53
164
21
119
93
121
10.4
1969
264
111
22
48
21
252
31
143
166
363
69
41
15.3
1970
62
20
131
97
2
190
174
77
178
158
176
89
13.5
1971
98
35
42
94
110
T
61
91
157
179
74
188
11.3
1972
15
5
16
79
109
66
71
60
197
344
96
221
12.8
1973
75
53
95
59
71
163
112
216
38
41
81
65
10.7
1974
148
52
76
81
T
60
98
89
46
87
65
126
9.3
1975
84
111
146
80
108
102
42
10
25
61
61
94
9.2
1976
52
181
145
89
158
110
29
113
148
22
T
2
10.5
1977
76
21
48
46
60
12
46
233
112
95
67
111
9.3
1978
235
92
265
116
70
57
21
70
47
23
157
325
14.8
1979
167
92
147
40
322
61
39
92
7
74
123
19
11.8
1980
M
M
M
103
211
21
M
144
36
M
63
59
6.4 M
1981
52
33
78
39
283
104
224
145
36
294
73
127
14.9
1982
M
M
126
8
M
55
47
72
293
122
156
32
9.1 M
1983
40
72
104
258
233
323
190
154
40
103
239
247
20.0
1984
34
8
120
194
105
371
189
260
168
226
M
286
19.6 M
1985
108
78
304
260
155
45
241
30
146
323
359
127
21.8
1986
45
109
78
223
128
21
128
144
330
156
104
30
15.0
1987
78
90
84
70
97
61
103
108
28
96
74
122
10.1
1988
157
47
45
111
56
109
80
71
259
14
181
100
12.3
1989
82
158
47
61
31
20
263
67
77
117
24
10
9.6
411 1281 7
1991
117
28
129
74
31
65
86
99
173
197
90
50
11.4
1992
19
61
112
30
229
75
213
60
146
161
97
64
12.7
1993 15311 240 155 100 155 I 29
87 q 64 1 114 1 111 1 64 1 10.3 M
1994
13
111 ;
25 i
168
211
M4
2
66
138 !
92
149
M
7.6 M
1995
33
111
95
88
239
881
204
37
1431
81
27
M
10.6 M
1996
136
245
36
1061
46
51 16.2
M
Avg 0.84 0.80 1 0.92 i 0.99
0.98
0.85
0.94 1.14 1.05 1.26
0.931 0.96 11.7
M= Missing data/incomplete records
12/09/97 05:46 PM
-13
RIFLEPCP WK4
Table 4
Monthly Precipitation - inches
Long term Avg
16.73 16.52 8.88 13.33 11.6
Rifle ratio to Avg 0.69
0.70
1.31
0.87
Oct95 to Sep96
Apr97 to Nov97
11.3 Est
14.4 Est
Est = Estimated Rifle station precipitation based on average of other monthly station readings
and ratio of long time station averages
12/10/97 02:31 PM
PRECIP.WK4
Glenwood
Springs
Altenbern
(Debeque)
Grand
Jct
Meeker
Rifle
Jan -95
1.51
1.17
0.52
1.00
0.33
Feb -95
2.54
1.50
0.26
0.89
1.11
Mar -95
1.67
1.93
1.76
1.14
0.95
Apr -95
1.81
1.42
0.91
3.44
0.88
May -95
5.83
4.15
2.53
5.59
2.39
Jun -95
1.90
1.78
1.29
1.49
0.88
Jul -95
2.03
2.22
0.91
1.13
2.04
Aug -95
0.88
2.66
0.43
1.06
0.37
Sep -95
1.80
2.57
0.98
2.91
1.43
Oct -95
1.15
0.62
0.19
1.41
0.81
Nov -95
2.55
0.64
0.17
1.49
0.27
Dec -95
2.81
0.84
0.32
0.41
0.87
Jan -96
4.44
1.55
0.36
1.95
1.36
Feb -96
2.72
3.45
1.21
2.17
2.45
Mar -96
0.67
0.86
0.39
1.14
0.36
Apr -96
1.96
1.84
0.93
1.90
1.06
May -96
1.21
1.02
0.84
1.18
0.46
Jun -96
0.74
1.64
0.63
1.03
0.51
Jul -96
1.18
1.77
0.70
2.03
1.19 Est
Aug -96
0.30
0.46
0.02
0.53
0.25 Est
Sep -96
2.92
2.16
1.29
1.75
1.69 Est
Oct -96
2.33
2.76
1.11
2.68
1.83 Est
Nov -96
1.60
2.32
1.00
2.63
1.58 Est
Dec -96
2.52
1.29
0.37
1.32
1.07 Est
Jan -97
3.84
2.60
0.31
1.66
1.58 Est
Feb -97
0.40
0.49
0.13
0.89
0.39 Est
Mar -97
0.77
0.21
0.42
0.45
0.41 Est
Apr -97
1.83
2.80
2.55
3.77
2.46 Est
May -97
2.36
2.29
1.54
1.87
1.72 Est
Jun -97
1.32
0.56
0.42
0.89
0.66 Est
Jul -97
1.77
0.72
2.08
2.47
1.65 Est
Aug -97
1.67
2.39
1.83
3.29
2.02 Est
Sep -97
4.20
5.09
3.38
5.50
3.21
Oct -97
1.69
Nov -97
0.99
Long term Avg
16.73 16.52 8.88 13.33 11.6
Rifle ratio to Avg 0.69
0.70
1.31
0.87
Oct95 to Sep96
Apr97 to Nov97
11.3 Est
14.4 Est
Est = Estimated Rifle station precipitation based on average of other monthly station readings
and ratio of long time station averages
12/10/97 02:31 PM
PRECIP.WK4
1.)(--lab-9( F R 1 1 1 : 1 JOHN W SAVAGE 7 (0610303 r• eJ
SUPPLEMENT TO LETTER AGREEMENT OF MAY 29, 1997
Reference: CO -932; 7250
Re: Ponderosa Springs; Div. 5: 95CW111/96CW166
The United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, by its undersigned agent, agrees to the following
terms to supplement the above referenced Letter Agreement:
BLM agrees that its senior water rights in the above refer -
o. f 0, Q_Q7__cfS . are_being satisfied by the current
construction and administration and further that as long as the
existing wetlands upstream to Kenneth Rose's diversion structure
are not interfered with and at least 160 gallons per day are al-
lowed to flow to the tank/pond below the Rose diversion struc-
ture, BLM agrees not to request an administrative call on the ju-
nior water rights of Kenneth Scott Rose.
BLM expects to be able to enter into a similar agreement as
regards the seco d undeveloped spring, assuming similar diversion
and s. rage str tures are constructed. Gq y
.. `222 _ Date: Ve'ee#16_rl <9T
Roy / Smith, water Rights and Instream Flow Coordinator
Colorado State Office, Bureau of Land Management
2850 Youngfield St., Lakewood, CO 80215-7076
SOPRIS ENGINEERING • LLC
CIVIL CONSULTANTS
Kenneth S. Rose
10286 Highway 13
Rifle, CO 81650
November 11, 1996
RE. Ponderosa Subdivision, Sopris Engineering Project No. 96014.01
Dear Mr. Rose:
A percolation test was done on-site at the location of the proposed septic field. The test was performed per
Garfield County standards as required to determine the soil percolation rate. A profile hole of
approximately eight feet in depth was dug and six inches to one foot of topsoil was encountered. The
remaining soil was uniform in type and gradation. The test was performed on July 25, 1996 and the
percolation rate was determined to be one inch in 35 minutes for hole #1, one inch in 27 minutes for hole
#2 and 46 minutes for hole #3. The average is 37 minutes for one inch of percolation. The percolation
rate was very uniform for the three holes and falls close to the middle of the required rate for a standard
septic system.
A standard septic system will be adequate for the on-site soils as long as the septic system is sized for the
home.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Sopris Engineering, LLC
Yancv Nichol, P.E.
Project Engineer
1101 VILLAOc ROAD, surrQ UL -aa • CdnaCr.iw►cs, CO 81623 • 970-704-0311 • FAX: 970-704.0313
FEB -05-98 THU 11:36 JOHN W SAVAGE
Feb -19-97 06:33P Kenneth S. Rose
9706250803
970 625 4454
RIFLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Ken Rose
10286 Highway 13
Rifle, Colorado 81650
April 16, 1996
Re: Subdivision
Mr. Rose.
As per our discussion on April 12, the Rifle Fire
Protection District has reviewed your proposed subdivision
of the property located at 10286 Highway 13. As we had
discussed, your intentions are to take the property and
split it into two parcels of approximately equal size. The
intentions for the new piece of property are to put one
single family dwelling on the parcel.
This action does not make any significant impacts on
fire protection requirements of the District. The main
concern, as we had discussed, is that a defensible space
should be created around the structure to help and protect
it in the event of a wild land fire. Obviously, though not
required, I would encourage you to work with the Fire
District and your neighbors to identify potential water
supplies for any fire suppression activities which may
arise in the future.
The Rifle Fire Protection District finds that this
proposal complies with the current standards adopted by
the District. Thank you for your cooperation and feel free
to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Mike Morgan
Fire Marshal
Rifle Fire Protection District
Telephone (970) 625-1243 • Fax (970) 625-2963
1850 Railroad Avenue • P.O. Box 1133 • Rifle, Colorado 81650
P.02
P.02
P.O. Box 1908
1005 Cooper Ave.
Glenwood Springs,
CO 81602
/K\
ZANC4NEaL4 ANA ASSOCIATES, INC.
ENCINEESING CONSULTANTS
(970) 945-5700
(970) 945-1253 Fax
•
January 8, 1998
Mr. Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Building & Planning Dept.
109 8`h Street Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Re: Ponderosa Subdivision- Geologic Investigations
Dear Eric:
We have prepared this letter to address two concerns raised by the Colorado
Geological Survey (CGS) pertaining to the above referenced project.
Debris Flow Flooding - Currently the majority of runoff near the subject site flows
towards and crosses Highway 13 at a point northwest of the proposed subdivision. The
CGS has identified a critical channel reach above the property which is at risk of
redirecting flood runoff and debris flows towards the existing channel which currently
runs through the proposed Lot 1 of the subdivision This channel currently serves a
minor basin area above the subdivision. Assuming a large flood event (100 yr+) would
be redirected to the existing channel on Lot 1 from the larger basin to the northwest, we
have further limited the building envelopes on the two lots to offer additional protection
for habitable structures. The recommended building envelopes are identified on the
attached Figure 1.
The proposed building envelopes are located at least 4 feet above the existing channel.
The capacity of the channel at this depth is approximately 1,500 cubic feet per second
(cfs). The 100 year flood flow rate was conservatively estimated to be 450 cfs. The
100 year f,ccd was calculated using procedures outlined. in the Soil Conservation
Service Technical Release 55 and takes into account the steep rocky terrain of the
Hogback area. The tributary area for the flood was measured to be 245 acres (0.38 sq
mi) and assumes the all up gradient lands have flows redirected to the subject channel.
The existing channel has enough capacity to carry flows significantly greater than the
100 year flood for all of the potential contributing up gradient basin.
Landslide Deposits lot 2 - We do not believe the landslide is active. We recommend
that site specific soil test be conducted at any future proposed house site. To expend
funds on soil test at general locations is not prudent at this time.
Page -1-
If you have any questions, please call our office at (970) 945-5700.
Very truly yours,
Zancanella & Associates, Inc.
cji4;2/4_
Christo he
p Manera, P.E.
—1-TA.at-4-‘13-41/4 -A- .o..r.A...ice.4"dit‘.
Thomas A. Zancanella, P.E.
President
cc: Kenneth Rose
John Savage
\\Gateway 48650\t\96339\Mcferty4.wpd
Page -2-
• .r,
. PRELIMINApY PLAT::
PONDEROSA ,S` UBDI VI `101V
A PORTION OF. THE .SW1/4 SW1/4 OF
SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP .5 SOUTH, RANGE 93 WEST
OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
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1
ADDENDUM
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Eric McCafferty
SUBJECT: Ponderosa Subdivision
DATE: 4 February, 1998
The Commission will recall that the necessity of continuing this application was to enable the
applicant sufficient time to conduct additional engineering studies concerning the proposed, domestic
water supply. The analysis has been completed and submitted to the State Engineer's Office (SEO)
for review; however, at the time this addendum was completed, no written response from the SEO
had been received by the Planning Department.
Since the date of the last continuance, the following information has been submitted to the Planning
Department for review:
1] The Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) asserts that erosion of the drainage basin, upstream
from proposed Lot 1 will result in stream capture and increase the amount of flooding across
this lot. Pursuant to the CGS written responses, the proposed building envelope has been
further evaluated by the applicant's engineer and geologist. This evaluation has considered
the size of the upstream drainage basin, the 100 year flood flow rate and the relative elevation
of the building envelope. This study concludes that flood flows in excess of the 100 year
flood would not affect the building envelope as it is currently proposed. See letters and
information, pages /0
The engineering evaluation states that the landslide deposits on proposed Lot 2 are not active
and proposes that, if approved, the building envelope be further evaluated with site specific
testing at the time of building permit submittal.
2] The Supplemental Water Supply Report has been reviewed by staff and forwarded to the SEO
for its review and additional comment. To, date, the SEO has not provided its written
opinion concerning injury to senior water rights. Based on this supplemental water supply
information, it appears that the flow of the spring is sufficient to provide a domestic supply
to the subdivision lots. Staff notes that the Subdivision Regulations are silent to an actual,
physical supply that is sufficient to serve the needs of a particular subdivision. In staff's
opinion, this water supply is marginal and pushes the limit of a physical water supply.
However, in staff's experience with Garfield County, a more -detailed physical water supply
report, for a subdivision of this size. has never been submitted for review. If the engineer's
calculations and assumptions concerning the long-term flow rate from the spring are correct,
then an adequate, in-house water supply probably exists. See Report, pages 0— 6 % .
Based on the information reviewed in this application, staff would be inclined to recommend
APPROVAL of the Ponderosa Subdivision pursuant to appropriate findings and approval conditions.
However, this information notwithstanding, staff is reluctant to usurp the authority of the State
Engineer's Office, due to the staffs philosophy that the SEO is the most qualified in making decisions
concerning the adequacy and legality of a water supply.
The Planning Commission may do one of the following:
1] Continue the hearing, to a date certain, to allow the applicant time to further address the
concerns raised by the SEO.
2] Deny the request on the grounds that the subdivision has not demonstrated an adequate
physical and legal water supply.
3] Approve the application pursuant to the following suggested findings and conditions:
V. SUGGESTED FINDINGS
1. That proper publication and public notice and posting were provided as required by
law for the hearing before the Planning Commission.
2. That the hearing before the Planning Commission was extensive and complete, that
all pertinent facts, matters and issues were submitted and that all interested parties
were heard at the hearing.
That the proposed subdivision of land is in general conformity with the
recommendations set forth in the Comprehensive Plan for the unincorporated area of
the County.
4. That the proposed subdivision of land conforms to the Garfield County Zoning
Resolution.
That all data, surveys, analyses, studies, plans and designs as are required by the State
of Colorado and Garfield County have been submitted and, in addition, have been
found to meet the requirements of the Garfield County Subdivision Regulations.
VL RECOMMENDATION
Based on the above analysis, staff recommends APPROVAL, subject to the following
conditions:
1. That all representations of the applicant, either within the application or stated at the
meeting before the Planning Commission, shall be considered conditions of approval.
2. A Final Plat shall be submitted, indicating the legal description of the property,
dimension and area of the proposed lots, access to a public right-of-way, and any
proposed easements for setbacks, water supply, drainage, irrigation ditches, access,
utilities, etc.
The applicant shall prepare and submit a Subdivision Improvements Agreement
addressing all on-site improvements, prior to the submittal of a final plat.
That the applicant shall submit school site acquisition fees, for the creation of the
additional subdivision parcel, prior to authorization of a final plat. The applicant shall
be notified of the actual fee that will be applicable at time of submittal of the final plat.
That the following plat notes shall be included on the final plat:
"Pursuant to C.R.S. 30-28-136(h)(I), the State Engineer has found that the water
supply for this subdivision will result in the material injury of senior water rights. All
prospective future owners are advised to seek a copy of the State Engineer's
opinion."
"The minimum defensible space distance shall be 30 feet on level terrain, plus
appropriate modification to recognize the increased rate of fire spread at sloped sites.
The methodology described in "Determining Safety Zone Dimensions, Wildfire Safety
Guidelines for Rural Homeowners," (Colorado State Forest Service) shall be used to
determine defensible space requirements for the required defensible space within
building envelopes in areas exceeding five (5) percent grade."
"Soil conditions on the site may require engineered septic systems and will require
engineered building foundations based on site-specific soils testing."
"The individual lot owners shall be responsible for the control of noxious weeds."
That the final plat submittal include a copy of a computer disk of the plat data,
formatted for use on the County Assessor's CAD system.
That all proposed lots shall comply with the Garfield County Zoning Resolution of
1978, as amended, and any building shall comply with the 1994 Uniform Building
Code, as adopted.
The water rights associated with the Ponderosa Spring #2, together with the well
permit(s), shall be transferred by the developer to a homeowner's association which
shall have the power and the duty to enforce compliance by lot owners with the
terms and conditions of the well permit. Appropriate Protective Covenants shall
further require compliance with the terms and conditions of the well permit.
9. That the following provisions be included in the protective covenants governing the
subdivision:
One (1) dog will be allowed for each residential unit within this subdivision and the
dog shall be required to be confined within the owner's property boundaries.
Enforcement provisions shall be developed for allowing the removal of a dog from the
area, as a final remedy in worst cases.
No open hearth solid -fuel fireplaces will be allowed anywhere within this subdivision.
One (1) new solid -fuel burning stove as defined by C.R.S. 25-7-401, et. seq., and the
regulations promulgated thereunder, will be allowed in any dwelling unit. All dwelling
units will be allowed an unrestricted number of natural gas burning stoves and
appliances.
All exterior lighting shall be the minimum amount necessary and all exterior lighting
shall be directed inward, towards the interior of the subdivision, except that provisions
may be made to allow for safety lighting that goes beyond the property boundaries.
4fvc_o -/D
P.O. Box 1908
1005 Cooper Ave.
Glenwood Springs,
CO 81602
Z4NCANELL4 4140 4S!OCIATE5, INC.
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
December 17, 1997
Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Building & Planning Dept.
109 8th Street Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Re: Ponderosa Subdivision
Dear Eric:
(970) 945-5700
(970) 945-1253 Fax
r-�
9
t�99
The Letter from the Colorado Geological Survey and the geologic mapping for the area
identify all of Lot #1 as Tying within an alluvial fan deposit. We have concluded that the
Building Envelope as stated on the Preliminary Plat is acceptable. No building should
be permitted within 25 feet of the existing drainage on Lot 1 as shown by the building
envelope.
If you have any questions, please call our office at (970) 945-5700.
Very truly yours,
Zancanella & Associates, Inc.
d-r-Cwc Q
Terri L. Lance
Geologist
cc: John Savage
L:196339 Wlcferty3.wpd
PRELIMINARY PLAT:
PONDEROSA S UBDI L'IS1ION
A PORTION OF THE SWI/4 SW1/4 OF
SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 93 WEST
OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
11E TO T1+E SCUT54 1/16 CORNER Or
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STATE OF COLORADO
COLORADO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Division of Minerals and Geology
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Room 715
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone (303)866-2611
FAX (303) 866-2461
December 23, 1997
Mr. Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Department Building and Planning
109 8th Street. Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
GA' -98-0010 `
RE: Resubmittal of Ponderosa Subdivision Geologic Hazard Review
Dear Mr. McCafferty:
DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL
RESOURCES
Rov Romer
Governor
lames S. Lochh-,iri
Executive Director
Michael B. Long
Division Director
Vicki Cowart
State Geologist
and Director
At your request and in accordance to Senate Bill 35 (1972) this office has reviewed the geologic
hazard report for the Ponderosa Subdivision. The CGS previously reviewed this property in a letter to you,
dated October 30, 1997. The subdivision contains two proposed lots.
Lot #1
As stated in the earlier letter, the biggest concern the CGS has with this subdivision is debris flow
and flash flooding. The lower small basin behind the subdivision property, which drains between the two
lots, will ultimately capture the higher main drainage way that leaves the steep basin within the hogback.
Presently a very narrow, very short saddle or barrier of soft claystone separates the higher and larger
drainage channel from the lower drainage basin. It is the CGS's opinion that this narrow saddle will not
last long and the main drainage flow will soon be redirected. That `stream capture' will result in larger
storm flows toward the two lots. The recent Geologic Hazard Report from Zancanella and Associates, Inc.
does not address this stream capture eventuality. We believe that the southeastern portion of the building
envelop, as currently shown on the preliminary plat. lie within a flash flood and debris flow hazardous
area. A suitable building envelope must be restricted to the western half of the lot.
Lot #2
We do not recommend acceptance of the northern portion of the building envelope as shown in
the geologic hazard report without additional geotechnical data. The steeper grades of that portion of the
lot #2. north of the power line easement, lie within the mapped landslide. The existing location of the
trailer home on this site is suitable but consideration of siting a new structure lower in the lot must factor
in the tlooding potential stated above.
If you have any questions please contact this office at (303) 894-2167.
Sincerely,
Jonathan L. White
Engineering Geologist
P.O. Box 1908
1005 Cooper Ave.
Glenwood Springs,
CO 81602
Z4Nc4NELL4 At10 455OCI4 TES, INC.
ENG114EEf1ING CONSULTANTS
January 8, 1998
Mr. Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Building & Planning Dept.
109 8`h Street Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 945-5700
(970) 945-1253 Fax
o9,.
Re: Ponderosa Subdivision- Geologic Investigations
Dear Eric:
We have prepared this letter to address two concerns raised by the Colorado
Geological Survey (CGS) pertaining to the above referenced project.
Debris Flow Flooding - Currently the majority of runoff near the subject site flows
towards and crosses Highway 13 at a point northwest of the proposed subdivision. The
CGS has identified a critical channel reach above the property which is at risk of
redirecting flood runoff and debris flows towards the existing channel which currently
runs through the proposed Lot 1 of the subdivision This channel currently serves a
minor basin area above the subdivision. Assuming a large flood event (100 yr+) would
be redirected to the existing channel on Lot 1 from the larger basin to the northwest, we
have further limited the building envelopes on the two lots to offer additional protection
for habitable structures. The recommended building envelopes are identified on the
attached Figure 1.
The proposed building envelopes are located at least 4 feet above the existing channel.
The capacity of the channel at this depth is approximately 1,500 cubic feet per second
(cfs). The 100 year flood flow rate was conservatively estimated to be 450 cfs. The
100 year flood was calculated using procedures outlined in the Soil Conservation
Service Technical Release 55 and takes into account the steep rocky terrain of the
Hogback area. The tributary area for the flood was measured to be 245 acres (0.38 sq
mi) and assumes the all up gradient lands have flows redirected to the subject channel.
The existing channel has enough capacity to carry flows significantly greater than the
100 year flood for all of the potential contributing up gradient basin.
Landslide Deposits lot 2 - We do not believe the landslide is active. We recommend
that site specific soil test be conducted at any future proposed house site. To expend
funds on soil test at general locations is not prudent at this time.
Page -1-
If you have any questions, please call our office at (970) 945-5700.
Very truly yours,
Zancanella & Associates, Inc.
2L.
Christopher M
p anera, P.E.
Thomas A. Zancanella, P.E.
President
cc: Kenneth Rose
John Savage
\\Gateway 48650\f\96339\Mcferty4.wpd
Page -2-
9-
tfr
PRELIMINARY PLAT:
P O DEl O.SA S U_BDI yIS'ION
A PORTION OF THE SW1/4 SWY1/ OF
SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP .5 SOUTH, .RANGE 93 FrrEST
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OF THE .SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
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P.O. Box 1908
1005 Cooper Ave.
Glenwood Springs,
CO 81602
Z4NC4NELL4 AM 4SSOCI4TE5,INC. -^-,
_/
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
December 10, 1997
Mr. Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Planning Dept.
109 - 8`h Street, Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
DEG
(970) 945-5700
(970) 945-1253 Fax
RE: Ponderosa Subdivision - Supplemental Water Supply Investigations
Dear Eric:
Zancanella & Associates, Inc. has conducted additional investigations into the water supply
of the Ponderosa Subdivision being proposed by Mr. Kenneth Rose. We have prepared
this letter to summarize additional work which has been completed and to highlight the
issues surrounding the proposed water supply. This letter should be considered
supplemental to our letter dated August 19, 1997. As stated in our earlier letter, and
supported by additional research and developments, we believe the proposed water supply
will provide an adequate water supply to serve the in-house needs of the two lot
subdivision.
Background History
As you may recall, the demands for the development were based on in-house uses only
for two single family residences (one unit per lot). Each house was estimated to have 3.5
people each using 100 gallons per day for a total of 350 gallons per day per house, or 700
gallons per day for the development. We believe this estimate to be slightly conservative
and provides a good planning estimate. We have seen water estimates used by others
of 80 gallons per person per day. We believe the lower use estimates are justifiable for
homes with low water use fixtures and appliances. The existing home at the site, which
utilizes such fixtures, has averaged approximately 70 gallons per day diverted from
Ponderosa Spring No. 2 since a meter was installed last July. The supply of irrigation
water is not a project goal of the developer and should be considered a supplemental
demand. We have previously recommended that a note on the subdivision plat be
required noting the irrigation supply is supplemental to the in-house demands of the
development. The Rose water rights include irrigation uses.
The water supply for the development consists of a well and the Ponderosa Spring Nos.
1 and 2. The well is not currently used at the existing home. The springs are located on
the adjacent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property at the base of the Grand
Hogback. The Ponderosa Spring No. 2 was developed in February of 1997 and currently
serves the existing home.
The spring can be visually observed exiting an scarp on the hillside. The flows exit the
scarp and pass through a vegetated area approximately 15 feet in length prior to entering
an infiltration gallery with a spring collection box. The Ponderosa Spring No.2 spring box
installed by Mr. Rose is elevated on washed rock material which allows for a bypass flow
to a lower elevation drain pipe which collects portions of the uncaptured spring flows and
delivers it to a small watering area (5 -foot diameter by 1 -foot deep pond). It should be
noted that the spring development is not situated on top of formation and additional
uncaptured spring flows exist below the Rose improvements.
The small watering area was constructed with a impermeable liner and then covered with
native rock material. The watering area was developed by Mr. Rose to supply a bypass
flow for wildlife watering water rights developed by the BLM. The BLM water rights for the
spring were adjudicated junior to Mr. Roses rights in the Ponderosa Springs. However, in
consolidated Case Nos. 95CW111 and 96CW166 the decree remarks that the Rose rights
are to be administered junior to the BLM rights as per a stipulation attached to the decree.
Investigation of the physical supplies available from the Ponderosa Spring No.2 were
undertaken with a field visit and implementation of a spring monitoring program in October
of 1996. The geologic formation that the spring exits appears to be comprised of a low
permeable cemented material. The spring has created a small gully located on the hillside
below the base of the Hogback. Minimal vegetation and water pooling was observed at
the original spring. Vegetation or flows were undetectable approximately 70 feet below its
discharge where it appeared all of the springs flow had percolated back into the earth.
Prior to the spring development, the spring flows were measured to be 959 gallons per day.
Measurements taken the following February and May indicated that the spring flows
maintained at a fairly consistent level. The measured flows did not include the flows being
bypassed to the BLM. A summary of spring flow data is presented in the following Table
1.
Table 1
Ponderosa S• rin • #2 - Flow Measurements
Date
Flow (gal/min)
Flow (gal/day)
October 17, 1996 "
0.66
959
February 15, 1997
0.75
1,080
May 15, 1997
0.65
936
June 14, 1997
0.83
1,195
August 10, 1997
0.81
1,166
September 15,1997 1
0.87
1,252
October 19, 1997
1.08
1,555
November 15, 1997
1.09
1,570
Measured prior to spring development.
Based on the installation of the existing storage tanks, it was our opinion that the single
spring would serve the needs for the two lot development. However, the production of the
Page -2-
/; -
spring during a severe drought period was unknown due to the lack of observations during
such a period. It was our opinion, that based on the consistent flows measured over the
winter of 1996 and 1997, the aquifer exhibited characteristics that it had the ability to store
inflow and make releases at steady levels. In other words, the groundwater aquifer
characteristics which prevents this spring from experiencing high "gushing" discharges
fluctuating through time during varying precipitation events, supports its ability to provide
continued supply during dry periods. In the event that reduced spring flows occurred
during a drought period it was assumed that the Ponderosa Spring No.1 could be
developed to enhance the supply.
Review of the proposed water supply by the Colorado Division of Water Resources was
completed by Steve Lautenschlager and summarized in a letter dated October 27,1997.
It was the state's opinion that the proposed water supply plan would cause injury to the
BLM's rights at the spring and was not adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed
subdivision.
The concern over the BLM injury is based on the BLM's instantaneous diversion amount
of 0.007 cfs (3.1 gallons per minute) which was stipulated to be senior in priority to the
Rose rights. This amount is obviously greater than the observed flows at the spring and
theoretically could require the Rose rights to bypass all flows to the BLM. We believe that
a potential call from the BLM is unrealistic due to the location and decreed use of the BLM
rights. In order for the BLM to place a call on the rights it would require beneficial use of
the spring flows. We believe a call by the BLM for the entire spring flows would result in
water percolating back into the ground below any watering areas. Any water called and
not being used to meet the decreed wildlife uses would thus be considered wasteful which
could nullify the call. Additionally, the lack of any constructed diversion facilities by the
BLM and the inability to measure uncaptured spring flows raises doubts as to wether a call
could be enforced.
It is our understanding that the BLM requested the senior status to the Rose rights to
insure the existing vegetation was not dried up and enough flows were available to meet
wildlife watering demands. Based on improvements to the spring which and the addition
of the bypass/watering area, we believe the BLM was satisfied with the water split at the
spring. This is evidenced by the letter prepared by Roy Smith of the BLM who indicated
the developments by Mr. Rose were adequate for the BLM uses and would not be subject
to a call. To further define the BLM's position, a subsequent agreement (attached) was
approved by the BLM which quantified the volume of water which could be called. The
volume amount was determined based on a measurement of the bypass flow at the spring.
Based on the agreement with the BLM and other issues pertaining to the administration
of these rights, which will be discussed later in this letter, we do not believe a call will be
placed by the BLM or be administered against the Rose rights as long as the current
bypass flows are maintained.
It has been our experience that the state typically does not require proof of the dry year or
"drought" yield of groundwater supply's. Such estimates are difficult to examine due to the
various unknown physical characteristics associated with the aquifer combined with the
Page -3-
unknown recharge amounts (typically precipitation). Nonetheless, due to the relatively
small discharge flows of the spring, additional investigations are warranted to better
understand the potential future flow production rates. Our investigations into the reliability
of the spring have been focused on examining the recent spring flows and precipitation
events and comparing them to historic precipitation records and streamflow conditions in
the area of the spring. Additionally, we believe the reliability of the spring is best supported
by historic accounts of similar spring users near the proposed subdivision.
Physical Water Supply
The hydrologic cycle is a complex process which has many factors which determine the
amount of precipitation that is converted to either surface runoff or groundwater recharge.
A detailed groundwater study of the subject aquifer is not feasible and still would require
numerous assumptions to estimate future spring production rates. However, we can
examine past precipitation data to gauge the relative impact of historic drought conditions
in the area of the spring. Although the comparison of historic precipitation data can not tell
us directly what the future flows will be, it can act as a barometer to the severity of historic
drought conditions as compared against average conditions.
The Ponderosa Subdivision is located at the base of the Grand Hogback several miles
north of Rifle. The estimated average annual precipitation at the site is approximately 15
to 16 inches per year based on isoheytal maps prepared by the Colorado Climate Center.
National Weather Service cooperative weather stations have recorded historic precipitation
records in this area for the locations of Grand Junction, Rifle, Meeker, Glenwood Springs,
and the Altenbern Ranch near Debeque. The closest weather station would be the City
of Rifle. Examination of historic precipitation data for the Rifle station indicates the long
term annual average is approximately 11.6 inches per year. The attached Table 2
summarizes the available monthly and annual precipitation amounts recorded at the Rifle
station for the periods of 1940 to 1996. The following Table 3 summarizes the long term
average annual precipitation values for the other weather stations.
Table 3 - Average Annual Precipitation (inches)
Station Grand Jct Rifle Meeker Glnwd Spgs Altenbern
Precip. 8.9 11.6 13.3 16.7 16.9
As can be seen in Table 2, the precipitation values range from a low at Grand Junction of
approximately 8.9 inches per year to a high at Altenbern of 16.7 inches per year. The
lowest annual recorded precipitation at the Rifle station for a complete year occurred in
1962 and totaled 8.0 inches. It is interesting to note that although we believe Rifle could
be classified as an area below the state average precipitation, the relative difference
between its average precipitation and its driest record period is not extreme (approximately
69% or 8.0/11.6).
The attached Table 4 summarizes recent monthly precipitation data for the above stations.
The Rifle station was discontinued in July of 1996 to August of 1997. During this period
Page -4-
/L/
we have estimated the monthly precipitation amounts for Rifle by averaging the other
station monthly totals prorated by the ratio of the stations long term averages. The
precipitation data for the year prior to the initial spring flow measurements totaled 11.3
inches and can be considered average. We believe the spring flows observed during the
winter of 1996 to 1997 were average discharge levels experienced under average
precipitation conditions. Therefore, average flows from the spring are approximately 1,000
gallons per day. Assuming the dry year production of the spring is reduced by the same
ratio as the dry year versus average year precipitation levels, then the dry year flow of
Spring No.2 would be approximately 690 gallons per day (1,000 gallons/day * 69%).
Available streamflow records were examined for a gaging station maintained on Rifle
Creek for the period of 1939 to 1964. Unit runoff values were determined for the winter
periods which we believe more accurately represents groundwater flow contributions
versus surface runoff. The average unit runoff during this period was calculated to be 0.51
inches. The driest or drought year value was recorded in 1954 and was approximately
0.27 inches. Although the runoff characteristics of a large stream can not be correlated
directly to the spring flows, the ratio of the average versus driest year records aids as an
additional tool to show extreme conditions. Based on the extreme streamflow ratio of 50%
(0.27/0.51), and assuming the spring were to experience similar characteristics, the Rose
dry year flows would average approximately 500 gallons per day from the Ponderosa
Spring No. 2. We believe that if the spring were to drop to these levels, then the
Ponderosa Spring No. 1 would have to be developed to meet the full 700 gallons per day
demands. The flow production of the Spring No. 1 has been previously estimated by Rose
and the BLM to be equivalent to the Flows of Spring No. 2. Conservatively assuming that
the Spring No. 1 flows were 50% of Spring No. 2, then the combined supply would be
sufficient to meet the in-house demands of the development. We do not believe the
development of the second spring will be required.
The above Table 1 shows that spring flows have steadily increased during the past 6
months of monitoring. The increased spring flows can be correlated with above average
rainfall rates during the last 8 months which have totaled approximately 14.5 inches.
Review of the Division of Water Resources 1996 water rights tabulation indicates that
multiple spring rights have been adjudicated along the base of the Hogback near the
subject site. We believe there is a confining layer at the base of the Hogback which forces
the groundwater to the surface. The nearest water right is the Corlett Spring located at the
next residence below Rose's property along Highway 13. The approximate spring location
is shown on Figure No. 1. Decreed conditional in 1980 for 0.018 cfs (8.0 gpm), this right
has been made absolute for only 0.0033 cfs (1.5 gpm) which is approximately equal to the
magnitude of the total flow production from the Ponderosa Spring No. 2. The Corlett
Spring was developed by Mr. "Buzz" Corlett who has lived and worked in the area along
the Hogback for over 50 years. Mr. Corlett indicated that his spring, along with multiple
other springs which he has developed for other individuals along the Hogback do not
fluctuate seasonally or annually. Mr. Corlett also indicated that his spring has always been
adequate to serve his residence and that he has never seen any of the springs along the
Hogback dry up. These include springs developed by other domestic users as well as BLM
springs he has observed while hiking or hunting. Mr. Corlett was very cooperative in our
discussions and indicated the willingness to discuss the history of this area as may be
required in the future.
Water Rights Administration
The Rose and BLM spring water rights are only administered amongst each other with no
water rights uphill from the spring. Although water rights below the spring exist on
Government Creek, we do not believe they materially contribute to the Government Creek
surface flows and could be administered as a futile call. This position was recognized by
the District 39 water commissioner. Based on the current development of the spring and
the agreement with the BLM, we do not believe the spring flows diverted by Rose could be
called out by the BLM rights.
Even without the current agreement, the BLM would have to demonstrate beneficial uses
of any additional called water. Wildlife water use demands are not a typical demand
estimate that we have examined in the past and is therefore difficult to quantify. However,
for discussion purposes we can estimate the ability of the spring to provide water demands
for deer which we believe would pose the largest demand potential for this area. The daily
consumption requirement of a deer is approximately 4.6 gallons per day. This is based on
water use requirements for livestock (15 gpd) prorated by the daily forage requirements
between the two animals. The current bypass of water is approximately 176 gallons per
day. The current bypass flows could therefore supply the water needs of approximately
38 deer daily. This high demand is improbable based on wildlife observations in this area.
We believe the BLM demand will be satisfied by the current bypass which will also be
served by the lowest level of water produced from the spring. Additional calls by the BLM
are unrealistic. We believe this opinion is supported by the cooperative efforts which have
been demonstrated by the BLM with regard to this issue.
Recent discussions with the Division of Water Resources have indicated that the state may
not administratively recognize the agreement between the two parties. This position is
based on a policy of not recognizing "selective calls". Our understanding of the definition
of the selective call is that a senior water right can't selectively not place a call against one
or more junior rights while still placing a calls against other junior rights. We agree with this
policy which we believe equally protects all water rights. However, we do not feel that it is
applicable to the spring because there are no other water rights administered in connection
with the spring (i.e. no upstream rights and futile call downstream). Furthermore, if the
state were to strictly enforce this administration policy and not recognize the agreement,
then we believe that the state would not be able to enforce the stipulation agreement of the
water rights in the decree. This is because the stipulation essentially allows the senior
rights of Rose in the spring not to place a call against the junior water rights of the BLM.
Or in other words the stipulation with the subordination of the Rose rights to the BLM fits
the definition of a selective call.
Summary
The following comments summarize our opinion of the proposed water supply.
1. The current physical water supply produced from Ponderosa Spring No. 2 is
sufficient to meet the in-house demands of the proposed development. It is not the
goal of the developer or the water supply to provide a reliable yield for irrigation
uses. The plat should note the priority of in-house water uses over irrigation use.
2. The aquifer supplying the spring has shown characteristics that it has the ability to
detain inflow (precipitation) and produce steady flows. The low transmissivity of the
aquifer will therefore will still produce flows even during or following periods of dry
or "drought" conditions. The aquifer properties are supported by the consistent
flows observed at the spring through the first winter of observations followed by a
moderate increase of flows during a period in which the precipitation is above
average.
3. The spring flows observed during initial monitoring stages are assumed to be
average conditions based on the average amount of precipitation which occurred
during the previous year. The average spring flow available to the Rose rights at
the Ponderosa Spring No. 2 are 1,000 gallons per day. Demands of the
development have been conservatively estimated to be 700 gallons per day.
4. Average annual precipitation recorded at the Rifle weather station is 11.6 inches per
year. The lowest year of precipitation over the last 57 years has been 8.0 inches.
We believe the ratio between these values (69%) is not extreme. The Rifle area
appears to be below average and therefore the ratio to the drought condition is not
as drastic as might be compared for other areas in the state where the average
precipitation values are higher. Assuming this ratio correlates to the same
percentage of reduced spring flows, then the single spring could still meet the
development's demands.
5. Streamflow records for Rifle Creek have indicated that the single winter season
lowest streamflow amount was approximately 50% of average streamflow
conditions. Assuming similar conditions developed for the spring , then 500 gallons
per day would be available from Spring No. 2. If such an event were to occur, either
the Spring No. 1 could be developed to meet the full demands or water conservation
measures could be implemented by the development for the drought conditions.
Due to the relative small size of the development we do not believe the
development of Ponderosa Spring No. 1 is warranted at this time.
6. The best indicator of future production rates of the spring can be based on the
production of similar type springs located near the proposed subdivision. Multiple
water rights have been developed along the base of the Hogback with similar
geographic locations as the subject springs. The nearest spring was decreed by
Buzz Corlett who has indicated that his spring has not fluctuated through time and
Page -7-
has always provided a reliable supply to his residence. Mr. Corlett has also
developed springs for others in this area as well as observed non developed springs
which have all maintained flows even during dry years. We believe the Corlett
spring is very similar to the Ponderosa Spring based on geographic locations and
observed flow rates.
7 The development of the spring allows a physical bypass of water to the BLM for
wildlife watering. The bypass flows were measured to be 176 gallons per day. Any
reductions in spring flows will occur to the Rose diversions with the lower level BLM
flows maintained.
8. BLM has acknowledged the spring improvements completed by Mr. Rose and has
subsequently offered cooperation to demonstrate their intention of not placing a call
on the Rose rights. The BLM's cooperation has been demonstrated by a letter
submittal and agreement from the BLM's water rights coordinator. The agreement
requires Rose to provide 160 gallons per day of bypass flow.
9. Additional BLM calls above the current bypass requirements are unrealistic due to
the lack of demands which we believe could be claimed. This assumes that a call
from the BLM would have to be consumed otherwise the water not utilized could be
considered wasteful. The administerability of a BLM call is questionable to the lack
of any diversion structures, measuring devices, and uncaptured spring flows.
10. We believe the water split agreement with the BLM can be administratively operated
due to the lack of any calling upstream or downstream rights. If the policy of a no
"selective calls" is enforced by the Division of Water Resources, then we believe the
state would also have to not enforce the selective call nature of the existing decreed
stipulation.
If you have any questions, please call our office at (970) 945-5700.
Very truly yours,
Zancanella & Associates, Inc.
Christopher Manera, P.E.
End
cc: John Savage
Kenneth Scott Rose
\\Gateway 48650\f\96339\Mcferty2.wpd
Table 2
Monthly Climatic Data for RIFLE for years 1940 1996
Station - 57031 Latitude - 3931 Longitude - 10747 Elevation - 5300
Total monthly precipitation.
Jan Feb Mar Apr ' May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
1940 162 128 94 144 40 23 86 169 206 172 86 110 14.2
1941 92 75 191 150 82 126 43 104 158 311 112 75 15.2
1942 47 100 84 141 35 20 127 43 57 126 55 20 8.6 '
1943 99 42 146 23 • 178 150 39 253 53 131 16 76 12.1
1944 182 65 75 116 30 66 99 29 7 45 203 25 9.4
1945 36 114 131 112 122 140 75 65 32 97 88 66 10.8 •
1946 24 24 60 276 173 65 65 225 51 291 123 93' 14.7 I
1947 61 56 97 105 66 160 125 98 71 • 144 56 63 11.0 ;
1948 94 143 174 68 • 9 • 138 87 112 42 90 79 163 12.0
1949' 120 22 152 65' 29 80 109 109 131 60 21 64 9.6
1950' 186 48 36 56 42 2 163 25 117 21 67 111 8.7
1951 145 48 21 115 69 103 47 156 44 117 64 406 13.4
1952 105 25 180 16 78. 64 56 226 6 0 53 42. 8.5
1953 64 19 116. 127 173. 65 117 208 31 148 143 35' 12.5
1954 87, 29 86 93 76 155 150 194 232 146 152 57, 14.6
' 1955 94 98 • 20 47 ' 171 54 78 139 15 ' 56 ' 169 72 10.1
1956 131. 131 20 127 9 12 154 85 0 85 49 82' 8.9
1957 275 91' 116 129. 279. 210 136 418 16 334 • 139 77 22.2
1958 25 101 102 . 62 ' 31 24 77 22 151 29 53 M 6.8 M
1959 62 154 401 167' 42' 97 • 10 240. 153 172 7 78 12.2
' 1960 67 ' 126 119 62 53 , 20 2 55 51 52 61 58 7.3
1961 1 55 • 114 92 101 7 26 115 287 108 65 70 10.4
1962 104 219 17 97 51 16 23 12 69 89 52 47 8.0
1963 61 28 63 37 • 2 78 23 155 115 151 78 40 8.3
1964 65 14; 72 82 140 116 50, 101 96 3 105 110 9.5
. 1965' 67' 52 128 • 60 43. 110 203 36 231 52 104 58 • 11.4
1966: 53. 37 12 45. 111. 10 24 • 47• 45 172 39 241. 8.4
i 1967 54 , 34 ' 41 ! 50, 161 224 184 ' 107 135 • 43 - 57 ' 229 13.2
1968' 32; 213 39 1181 61 9 53 164 21 119 93 121 10.4
1969 264 111 : 22 481 21' 252 31, 143 166'' 363. 69 411 15.3
'' 1970 ' 62 20 ' 131 ' 97
2 ' 190 ' 174 77 178 ' 158 • 176 89 13.5
' 1971 _ 98 35 42 94 110 T 61 , 91 157 , 179 • 74 188 ; 11.3
1972 , 15 5 16 79 109 • 66 71 60 197 344 96 221 12.8
1973 75 • 53 95 59 71 163 112 216 38 41 81 65 10.7
1974 148 52 76 81 T 60 98 89 46 87' 65 126 9.3
1975 84 111 146 80 108 102 • 42 10 25 61 61 94 9.2
1976. 52' 181. 145 89; 158 110 29 113 148 22 T 2 10.5
1977 76 21, 48. 46' 601 12 46' 233 112, 951 67 111 9.3
1978; 235, 92, 265; 116; 70' 57' 21' 70' 47 23, 157' 325' 14.8
1979 167 92 ' 147 40 3221 61 39 92 7 , 74 123 19 11.8
' 1980 ' M M M 103 211 21 ' M' 144 36 M' 63 59' 6.4 M
' 1981 52, 33 78 39 • 283 104 224 145 36 294 73 127, 14.9 ;
1982' M M 126 8, M 55 47 72 293 122 156 32': 9.1 MI
1983 40 72 104 258 233 323 190 154 40 103 239 247 20.0
1984 34 8 120 194, 105 371 189 260 168 226 M 286 19.6 M
1985 108 78 304 260 155 45 241 30 146 323 359 127 21.8 ;
1986 45 109 78 223 • 128 21. 128 144 330 156 104 30 15.0 i
1987: 78 90 84 70• 97' 61 103 108 28 96 74 122 10.1 !
1988 157 • 47. 45: 111: 56 109 80 71. 259 14 181 100 12.3
1989 82 158 47 61' 31' 20 263- 67. 77 • 117. 24 10' 9.6
' 1990' M 93 41 128 76' 70 122 27 51 158 88 107: 9.6 M
1991. 117 28 129 74 31 • 65 86 99 173 197 90 50• 11.4
1992 19 61 • 112 30 229 75 213 60 146 161 97 64 12.7
1993 15311 240 155 100 155 29 M 8711 64 114 111 64 10.3 M
1995 33 111 95 88
1996 136 245 36 106
138
149
7.6 M
L III IVP t 0b 92 M
239 881 204 37 143 81 27 M 10.6 M
46 51
6.2 Mi
Avg 0.84 0.80 0.92 0.99 0.98 0.85 0.94 1.14 1.05 1.26 0.93 0.96 11.7
M= Missing data/incomplete records
12/09/97 05:46 PM
RIFLEPCP.WK4
Table 4
Monthly Precipitation - inches
Glenwood Altenbern Grand Meeker Rifle
Springs (Debeque) Jct
Jan -95 1.51
1.17 0.52
1.00 0.33
Feb -95
2.54
1.50
0.26
0.89
Mar -95 1.67 1.93 1.76 1.14 0.95
Apr -95 1.81 1.42 0.91 3.44 0.88
May -95 5.83 4.15 2.53 5.59 2.39
Jun -95 1.90 1.78 1.29 1.49 0.88
Jul -95 2.03 2.22 0.91 1.13 2.04
Aug -95 0.88 2.66 0.43 1.06 0.37
Sep -95 1.80 ! 2.57 ' 0.98 2.91 1.43
Oct -95 ' 1.15 1 0.62 0.19 l 1.41 0.81
Nov -95 2.55 I 0.64
0.17 i 1.49 0.27
Dec -95 2.81 '' 0.84
0.32 0.41 0.87
Jan -96 4.44 1.55' 0.36 1.95 1.36 i
Feb -96 2.72 3.45 1.21 2.17 2.45
Mar -96' 0.67 0.86 0.39 1.14 0.36
Apr -96' 1.96
1.84 0.93 1.90 1.06
May -96' 1.21
1.02 0.84, 1.18 0.46
Jun -961 0.74
1.64 1 0.63. 1.03 0.51
Jul -96 1.18
1.77 0.70 ' 2.031
1.19 Est
Aug -961
0.30
0.46' 0.021
0.53 0.25 Est
Sep -96 i 2.92
2.16; 1.29 ',' 1.75 1.69 Est
Oct -96 2.33
2.76 1.11 2.68
1.83 Est
Nov -96 1.601 2.32 1.00 2.63 1.58 Est
Dec -96' 2.521 1.29 0.37 1.32 1.07 Est I
Jan -97 3.84: 2.60 0.31 1.66 1.58 Est '
Feb -97 0.40 0.49 0.13 0.89 0.39 Est
Mar -97 : 0.77 I 0.21 0.42 ! 0.45 0.41 Est
Apr -971 1.83 2.80 2.55 , 3.77 2.46 Est
May -97 1 2.36 ' 2.29 1.54 1.87 1.72 Est
Jun -97 1.32 ' 0.56 1 0.42 ; 0.89 0.66 Est
Jul -97 1.77 0.72 ' 2.08 2.47 1.65 Est
Aug -97
1.67
2.39
1.83
3.29
2.02 Est
Sep -97 4.20
5.09 3.38
5.50 3.21
Oct -97
Nov -97
1.69
0.99
Long term Avg 16.73
Rifle ratio to Avg
16.52 8.88
0.69 0.70
13.33 11.6
1.31 0.87
Oct95 to Sep96
Apr97 to Nov97
11.3 Est
14.4 Est
Est = Estimated Rifle station precipitation based on average of other monthly station readings
and ratio of long time station averages
12/10/97 02:31 PM
FRECIP.VVK4
DEC -05-97 FRI 11:51 JOHN w SAVAGE 9706250303 P•Ejs
SUPPLEMENT TO LETTER AGREEMENT OF MAY 29, 1997
Reference: CO -932; 7250
Re: Ponderosa Springs; Div. 5: 95CW111/96CW166
The United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, by its undersigned agent, agrees to the following
terms to supplement the above referenced Letter Agreement:
BLM agrees that its senior water rights in the above refer-
.enc_ed_st.rJ tures_ of. 0-Q_Q7_cfs . are_be ng satisfied by the current
construction and administration and further that as long as the
existing wetlands upstream to Kenneth Rose's diversion structure
are not interfered with and at least 160 gallons per day are al-
lowed to flow to the tank/pond below the Rose diversion struc-
ture, BLM agrees not to request an administrative call on the ju-
nior water rights of Kenneth Scott Rose.
BLM expects to be able to enter into a similar agreement as
regards the seco d undeveloped spring, assuming similar diversion
and s.1rage str tures are constructed. /en/ `�2 Date: Ve'Ce%16 d` / < 7
Roy Smith, Water Rights and Instream Flow Coordinator
Colorado State Office, Bureau of Land Management
2850 Youngfield St., Lakewood, CO 80215-7076