DESCRIPTION
There have been multiple irrigation efficiencies projects implemented on the Skyline Ditch. This irrigation ditch currently has 366 acres of allocated ditch shares and diverts 18-26 cubic feet per second (cfs). The headgate was basically inoperable & canal level was controlled by overflow channel regulation & tail water dumping. After the repair overflow water dumping was eliminated reducing diversion by 20%.The objective of this project was to pipe the delivery ditch in high water loss areas. Conveyance loss over the length of the ditch is estimated at more than 70%.
Phase I-The Skyline Ditch company installed a pressurized pipe conveyance system which will reduce diversion to below the maximum design flow of the fish screen. The ditch below the headgate was a high water loss area was patched with hand-placed plastic. Piping this section significantly reduces leakages & allows further reduction in the diversion returning 10 cfs to fish habitat in the Chewuch River system. In addition to returning water to the river by reducing conveyance losses, ditch flows will be reduced to levels that will prevent a take for endangered species from excessive approach velocities to the fish screen.
Phase II- The objective of this project phase was to assist in piping part of the 6.2 mi. delivery ditch in high water loss areas. Work consisted of purchasing & installing 1,400 of 42 inch dia. spiral pipe & installing a single 6inch turnout; fabricating & installing 26 of 48inch dia. spira
The Skyline Ditch currently has 366 acres of 'allocated' ditch shares and diverts 18-26 cubic feet per second (cfs). The target for future flows is 10-16 cfs. Current water uses include irrigation of alfalfa and hay crops, a public golf course, and orchards; home lawn and garden water; stock watering; fire protection; groundwater aquifer recharge; and riparian area maintenance. The present headgate is basically inoperable & canal level is controlled by overflow channel regulation & tail water dumping. Headgate repairs are scheduled for completion in 1999 as part of another project funded by GSRO. When repaired, overflow water dumping will be eliminated reducing diversion by 20%.
The objective of this project is to pipe the delivery ditch in high water loss areas. Conveyance loss over the length of the ditch is estimated at more than 70%. The Skyline Ditch company will install a pressurized pipe conveyance system, which will reduce diversion to below the maximum design flow of the fish screen. The ditch below the headgate is a high water loss area, currently patched with hand-placed plastic. Piping this section will significantly reduce leakage & allow further reduction in the diversion, returning 10 cfs to fish habitat in the Chewuch River system. In addition to returning water to the river by reducing conveyance losses, ditch flows will be reduced to levels that will prevent 'take' of endangered species from excessive approach velocities to the fish screen.
