About us

Conserving.
Enhancing.
Protecting.

In 1966, the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District was formed to provide legal authority to plan and construct water conservation projects in the Yampa River Basin, which led to the construction of Yamcolo Reservoir, located in the Flattops near the headwaters of the Yampa River, in 1980 and Stagecoach Reservoir, located southeast of Steamboat Springs, in 1980.

Founded in

1966

The Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District owns and operates both Yamcolo and Stagecoach Reservoirs. The reservoirs, designed to provide reliable sources of water for the growing population and economy of Northwest Colorado, capture snowmelt that serves as a year-round water supply for agricultural, industrial, municipal, and other beneficial uses, including hydropower generation at John R. Fetcher Hydroelectric Power Plant, an 800kW hydroelectric power plant at Stagecoach Dam.

In addition to safely maintaining and operating District-owned facilities, the District promotes healthy reservoirs, streams, and watersheds within the District. In 2012, the District partnered with the Colorado Water Trust to coordinate the first environmental water release out of Stagecoach Reservoir.

As part of its maintenance and operation, the District also closely adjusts and monitors the temperature and oxygen content of its releases to ensure a healthy habitat for trout and other aquatic life downstream, a contribution to both the environment and recreational opportunities on the Yampa River.

In collaboration with various agencies, the District supports water quality efforts and participates in working groups to address issues that may affect water quantity in the future. The District monitors issues throughout the Colorado River Basin in an effort to protect the water resources of the Upper Yampa Basin and plan for potential water shortages.

The District is committed to an Upper Yampa River Basin with safe, secure water storage and supply that benefits all uses in the Basin.

Best solutions

Our mission.

To lead water resource management within the District’s boundaries by responsibly conserving, protecting, developing, providing and enhancing the water resources of the Yampa River Basin. The District will initiate and participate in projects that embody and promote the protection of water rights, provide broad benefits to District constituents and develop projects that provide responsible conservation, responsible growth, beneficial water storage and usage, and public awareness within the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District.

Best solutions

Our vision.

An Upper Yampa River Basin with safe, secure water storage and supply for its customers that benefits all uses in the Basin.

Meet our board of directors

The Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District is governed by a board of nine directors.

The nine member Board of Directors from three divisions, three representing each division, are appointed by the District Judge to serve staggered four-year terms and establish policy and strategic direction for the District.

Webster Jones

PRESIDENT, TERM EXPIRES 2027

Kevin McBride

TERM EXPIRES 2028

Doug Monger

TERM EXPIRES 2027

John Redmond

TERM EXPIRES 2026

Lyn Halliday

TERM EXPIRES 2028

Katie Berning

TERM EXPIRES 2026

Thomas R. Sharp

TERM EXPIRES 2026

Jim Haskins

TERM EXPIRES 2028

Nicole Seltzer

TERM EXPIRES 2027