San Luis Valley Canal
Centennial Ditch
Goal: Replace the diversion and headgate with a rock cross vane diversion that is passable by fish and boats, as well as stabilization of surrounding streambanks and riparian habitat restoration.
Status: Completed Spring 2018
Partners: Rio Grande #2 Board, Riverbend Engineering, RGHRP
After: Diversion Dam
Construction: Pouring Concrete
Before: Diversion Dam
Goal: Replace the headgate with automated water control gates, stabilize surrounding streambanks, and restore riparian habitat
Status: Currently hoping work can begin this winter
Partners: San Luis Valley Canal Board, CPW, Riverbend Engineering, RGHRP
Construction
Before: Pace Headgate
Goal: Replace the diversion and headgates with a radial sluice gate and a fish ladder. The new diversion will maintain existing boat passage. The project will also include stabilization of surrounding streambanks and riparian habitat restoration.
Status: The headgate and trash rack have been installed, and we are hoping to construct the dam this winter.
Partners: Consolidated Ditch Board, Riverbend Engineering, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pace Ditch Board, RGHRP
Before: Headgate
Before: Canal Headgate
Goal: Replace the diversion with a grouted rock structure, stabilize the surrounding streambanks, and restore the riparian habitat
Status: Completed Spring 2018
Partners: Centennial Ditch Board, CPW, Riverbend Engineering, RGHRP
Before: Eroded Streambank
5 Ditches Project
Map and Irrigation Statistics
Rio Grande #2
Before: Consolidated Diversion Dam
Construction: Rock Structure
After: Diversion Dam with fish and boat passage
After: Headgate
Five Ditches Project
The Consolidated Ditch, Pace Ditch, San Luis Valley Canal, Centennial Ditch, and Rio Grande #2 Ditch divert water off the Rio Grande to irrigate a combined 35,906 acres of agricultural land. Each ditch is facing issues of aging and inefficient diversion infrastructure, and the river is impacted by nearby channel instability and sedimentation. Additionally, increased water shortages and prolonged drought make accurate water management even more important. Improving the diversion structures and streambanks will improve diversion efficiency and reduce maintenance, enhance the water quality by reducing erosion, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance recreation and safety by ensuring the diversions are passable by fish and boats where appropriate.
Before: Diversion Dam
Consolidated and Pace Ditches
Project Overview
Before: Consolidated Headgate
Construction: Trash Gate