Before: Headgate
5 Ditches Project
Construction: Pouring Concrete
Five Ditches Project from Christi Bode on Vimeo.
Map and Irrigation Statistics
Before: Diversion Dam
Before: Consolidated Diversion Dam
Construction: Rock Structure
After: Diversion Dam
After: Headgates and Trash rack
Five Ditches Project
Goal: Replace the headgate with automated water control gates, stabilize surrounding streambanks, and restore riparian habitat
Status: Completed Spring 2019.
Partners: San Luis Valley Canal Board, CPW, Riverbend Engineering, RGHRP
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 faced issues of aging and inefficient diversion infrastructure, and the river was 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 has improved diversion efficiency and reduced maintenance, enhanced the water quality by reducing erosion, improved wildlife habitat, and enhanced recreation and safety by ensuring the diversions are passable by fish and boats where appropriate.
Before: Diversion Dam
After: Dam before flooding
Consolidated and Pace Ditches
Before: Pace Headgate
Project Overview
After: Canal Headgate
Before: Consolidated Headgate
After: Dam underwater
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: Completed in Spring 2019.
Partners: Consolidated Ditch Board, Riverbend Engineering, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pace Ditch Board, RGHRP
Before: Canal Headgate
Rio Grande #2
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
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
San Luis Valley Canal
Centennial Ditch