Simulation of Irrigation and Reservoir Water Use

DeLuca, Denise K.; Cunningham, Alfred B.; Moy, Richard; ,

Simulation of Irrigation and Reservoir Water Use

by Denise K. DeLuca, Montana State Univ, Bozeman, MT, USA,
Alfred B. Cunningham, Montana State Univ, Bozeman, MT, USA,
Richard Moy, Montana State Univ, Bozeman, MT, USA,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

Computer simulation of irrigation water use and corresponding downstream reservoir operation has been developed for the Canyon Ferry Reservoir on the Missouri River in Southwestern Montana. Simulation scenarios using a monthly time step were developed to assess effects of projected increases in upstream irrigation on Canyon Ferry power production and spill discharge. Effects of alternative reservoir management strategies were also investigated. Simulations run over a 35 year period showed that a 15. 8% increase in upstream irrigated acreage corresponded to a 3% reduction in average annual reservoir inflow volume, a 1. 3% reduction in average annual power production, and a 15. 8% reduction in average annual spillage. Additionally it was determined that more power and less spillage would be realized if the reservoir's spring target water surface elevation were lowered and the summer fill date were delayed. Results of model scenarios are reviewed to illustrate two general model applications.

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