Water Rights Considerations Associated With Channel Conveyance Losses

Hasfurther, Victor R.; Kerr, Greg L.; ,

Water Rights Considerations Associated With Channel Conveyance Losses

by Victor R. Hasfurther, Wyoming Water Research Cent, University Station, WY, USA,
Greg L. Kerr, Wyoming Water Research Cent, University Station, WY, USA,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Steel Structures

Abstract:

During 1986, the Wyoming Water Research Center and the State Engineer's Office cooperatively did a study on the conveyance losses associated with a section of stream channel along Little Horse Creek and Horse Creek near and upstream of LaGrange, Wyoming. The purpose was to determine if a futile call for regulation of water on an upstream appropriator whose water right was later in time existed on this stretch of stream channel of some 26 miles. Through continuous streamflow records it was shown that water from the Little Horse Creek diversion, in fact, reaches the diversion some 26 miles downstream with approximately 87 percent of the flow release. Further results of a dye study between these two points confirm findings of the continuous streamflow records and indicated that travel time in the reach was approximately 79 hours for the flow conditions. Conveyance losses calculated through the study reach ranged from 13 percent in the earlier stages of the study period (July) when air temperatures were high resulting in high evapotranspiration to 4 percent in the later stages of the study period (September) when air temperatures were lower resulting in evapotranspiration activity being lower.

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