Existing Conditions-

The irrigation ditch for the Hottell diversion begins in a side channel of the Twisp River upstream of the flood irrigated fields.  The ditch runs parallel to the main river channel for approximately 1,000 ft. upstream of the location of the fish screen that is 20 ft. from the river channel.  The present fish return structure is a 6 in. diameter plastic PVC pipe.  At high flows the fish screen is over-topped because there is presently no structure in place to regulate the flow volume into the screen and fish are being washed over the screen and becoming stranded on the irrigated fields.

Proposed Improvements-

The proposed project is to design and install a headgate structure to be placed just upstream of the existing fishscreen.  BPA is funding the installation of the structure and the rock-lined wasteway.  The headgate structure along with a rock-lined wasteway channel will be used to prevent spring high flows from over-topping the fish screen. The headgate structure is intended to regulate flow velocity into the fish screen for the diversion to allow for the proper functioning of the screen and prevent fish from washing up onto the irrigated fields.  A rock-lined wasteway channel will be constructed at the fish screen to allow for fish that enter the irrigation ditch to return to the river.

Site Restoration -

Vegetation Removal and Restoration - Some minor disturbance of vegetation will occur near the headgate structure and new fish return channel.  The restoration plan for the project will include vegetation of the disturbed areas with appropriate native plants and prevention of the establishment of noxious weeds at the site.