In the never ending quest for search for water in the Honey Lake Valley for irrigation a multitude of avenues were explored. A late entry was that of the Tanner Slough Irrigation Association that was formed in the late 1930s. This association was composed of the ranchers of the Tule District, the lower end of the Susan River and the various sloughs before they empty into Honey Lake. Those ranches included—Theodore, Mapes, DeWitt, Bailey, Fleming, McClelland, Gibson, Tanner and Dill.

They were able to impound 2,600 acre feet of water in Willow Creek Valley, and also flood waters of Horse Lake. The spring floods of 1938 caused considerable damage throughout the region. The Colony Dam on the Susan River near Standish was a casualty. The Colony Dam did not impound a great deal of water. One of its key components was a point of diversion of water to downstream users.

On April 20, 1938 the Tanner Slough Irrigation Association sent a letter to the California Governor Merriam seeking funds to repair and reconstruction of the Colony Dam. The flood damaged some 10,000 acres of land belonging to members of the Association. Not only delayed getting crops planted, but when summer arrives they might not be able to divert irrigation due to the damage of the dam, and the sloughs. They sought $3,500. In their plea, they wrote, ”We know of no other place to make an appeal for aid and assistance. You are about our last hope.” Their request was denied.

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