After: Diversion Dam
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
Construction: Rock Structure
Consolidated and Pace Ditches
Construction: Trash Gate
Before: Canal Headgate
San Luis Valley Canal
Before: Diversion Dam
After: Headgate
Project Overview
5 Ditches Project
Construction
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: Pace Headgate
Construction: Pouring Concrete
Five Ditches Project
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 the dam is currently under construction.
Partners: Consolidated Ditch Board, Riverbend Engineering, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pace Ditch Board, RGHRP
Centennial Ditch
Before: Consolidated Diversion Dam
Before: Diversion Dam
Before: Consolidated Headgate
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
Map and Irrigation Statistics
Goal: Replace the headgate with automated water control gates, stabilize surrounding streambanks, and restore riparian habitat
Status: Currently under contruction
Partners: San Luis Valley Canal Board, CPW, Riverbend Engineering, RGHRP
Before: Headgate
Rio Grande #2
After: Diversion Dam