Aberdeen-Springfield Canal is an open-channel irrigation system that became fully operational in 1905. The majority of the system's 370 miles of main canals and laterals are earthen-constructed canals with some underground piping. All but one of the control structures on the system are of concrete construction (the one being wooden). A few selected structures are automated with simple float and micro-switch water level sensors and either hydraulic or gear and stem actuated gates.

Aberdeen-Springfield Canal Company (the Company) operates an open channel irrigation system that diverts water from the Snake River approximately 10 miles upstream from Blackfoot, Idaho (Figure 1.). The Company delivers irrigation water to approximately 59,000 acres through approximately 370 miles of main and lateral canals. The system stretches from the western bank of the Snake River southwest for 67 miles to just west of American Falls, Idaho. The company has storage rights in Jackson Lake reservoir, Palisades reservoir, and American Falls reservoir. Typical total annual diversion is 350,000+ acre-feet (AF). System transmission loss (seep and evaporation) is calculated to be 50-60%, and 10-20% of the total diversion is spilled back into the American Falls reservoir (Table 1. see below and Figures 2, 3.). These numbers are gross estimates as only river diversion and delivery to headgates are accurately measured. Seepage from the system has been shown to increase shallow well head-heights and spring flows throughout the system boundaries.

Diversion from the Snake River is measured using a broad-crested weir located approximately 100 m downstream from the main canal control structure. Water deliveries are measured using rectangular submerged-orifice measuring devices installed on every headgate. System water is spilled at 15 locations on the system utilizing check-boards removed from openings perpendicular to the canal. None of the 15 spill locations have accurate measuring devices.

II. Water

ASCC holds Natural Flow, Flood Water, Storage, and Groundwater Rights. ASCC's primary water source is 1094.2 cfs of natural flow from the Snake River with a priority date of February 6, 1895 and 215.7 cfs of natural flow from the Snake River with a priority date of April 1, 1939. Both of these rights are decreed. In addition, ASCC has groundwater rights for two Company-owned wells totaling 8.44 cfs for supplemental use by the system.

ASCC holds storage rights in American Falls Reservoir, Palisades Reservoir, and Jackson Reservoir on the Snake River. ASCC also delivers water to acreage within the American Falls Reservoir District, which holds storage in American Falls Reservoir and Jackson Reservoir. Individual shareholders who also belong to American Falls Reservoir District receive delivery of their storage water through ASCC's system. At full pool, ASCC's acre-foot storage amounts available are:

ASCC in American Falls Reservoir 29,629
ASCC in Palisades Reservoir 146,878
ASCC in Jackson Reservoir 57,661
AFRD in American Falls Reservoir 22,543
AFRD in Jackson Reservoir 13,133

ASCC therefore has a total of 269,844 acre-feet of storage water available at full pool.