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Paonia Reservoir Research Project

Over the past several years while NFRIA was developing its projects the question kept arising "what effect does Paonia Reservoir have on restoration efforts downstream?" Although initial analysis of gage data indicates very little change in peak flows before and after the construction of the dam, there has been little information on sediment discharges and its effect down stream. Therefore, in order to further understand sedimentation issues, NFRIA applied for and received a $55,000 grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board to investigate this issue.

Following the award of the grant, NFRIA contracted with a research team from the Earth Sciences Dept. at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins to perform the study. Dr. Ellen Wohl and Dr. David Cooper heads up the multidisciplinary team in a 2-year study to evaluate sediment and channel dynamics along the North Fork. Ojectives are to identify sediment sources and approximate its relative contribution to the overall system. Recent history of channel configuration in the valley was reconstructed from riparian analysis, aerial photos, and sediment storage analysis in the report above.

NFRIA hopes to eventually partner with the North Fork Water Conservancy District to use this study as a springboard to address sedimentation issues in the reservoir. Paonia reservoir is the storage supply for the Fire Mountain Canal and is extremely important to sustainable agriculture in the North Fork Valley.