RAINBOW LAKE

March 2025 update

 

First, thank you to all of the people who so generously donated to the Rainbow Lake Conservation Company and helped us exceed our initial goal of $500,000. As most of you know, we applied for a $1.5 million federal grant that required matching funds of $500,000. We were denied approval based on the Bureau of Reclamation's finding that our planned project did not do enough for the environment.  

 

We discussed the situation with the Irrigation Company and decided on a "Plan B." Instead of funding the entire 3500 foot project, we can fund replacing the most terribly inefficient and seeping ditches downstream from the dam with 1600 feet of 24 in diameter pipe. Using flexible pipe means we can follow the path of the old ditch with minimal level correction. Flexible pipe is less expensive than standard pipe, will last decades and dramatically reduces the amount of water being lost from the lake.

 

Why does this benefit us? Eliminating water loss from seepage, evaporation, and theft means the Irrigation Company will need to take about 30% less water from Rainbow Lake during the irrigation season. We believe this is the most effective way to maximize the lake's water level. The Irrigation Company is entering into an agreement to pump water from Show Low Lake to the rim overlook to feed the last four miles of the Rainbow ditch, further reducing the drain on Rainbow Lake. Rainbow Lake Conservation Company will pay for the electricity for two eight hour shifts of water per week during irrigation season.

 

Construction has begun with the plan to finish before the irrigation season begins in late spring. The total cost will be about $300,000, leaving us with about $235,000 for other infrastructure projects. See pictures below.

 

This improvement comes at a critical time. This winter has been unusually dry and the latest report puts snow pack at 17% of normal. We can expect much less water than normal feeding into Rainbow Lake this spring and summer. We are hoping the lake stays as full as possible, but Mother Nature has the last word on that. Pray for a wet spring and a better monsoon season!