Homestake System
Arkansas River Diversion Improvements Project
Granite, Colorado, USA
When SG1 began working on this rehabilitation project in early 2016, there was much uncertainty among the stakeholders over how to rehabilitate the site. We are proud to have played a key part in developing the design concept for the water management facility and, most importantly, in turning the vision into reality.
It was rewarding for us to be a key player in the design development process and, less than four years later,
to witness the positive transformation along this reach of the Arkansas River.
Before:
“The Arkansas River Diversion site is the only non-navigable reach of the Arkansas River in Colorado over a 130-mile long stretch between Leadville and Cañon City.”
“The diversion dam is not navigable by boaters and poses a serious safety hazard to recreational users of the river.”
After:
“A much needed improvement to the old diversion structure.
Very navigable.”
— Steve D.
“All in all, fun and very clean. A huge improvement over the old structure!”
— Luke U.
“I would rate the boat chute as easy Class IV and generally consistent with the difficulty, if not the character, of the whitewater on this reach of river.”
— Charlie E.
“Big improvement over what was there. I’ll boat this reach more often without the portage.”
— Tim K.
An initial site visit by SG1 in 2016 revealed the poor state of the intake, diversion weir, and spillway.
SG1 developed a design concept following extensive review of past project data and information.
SG1 utilized 2D hydrodynamic models to evaluate and optimize the rehabilitated design and layout of the proposed facility.
A 1:12 scale physical model was utilized to confirm the hydraulic design and performance of the proposed facility as a whole.
Performance testing of the boat chute immediately following its completion.
SG1 provided technical and engineering support throughout the 18-month construction period and made several visits to observe progress and inspect the constructed works.
Catching some air during performance testing of the boat chute.
Instream performance testing of the new intake confirmed that river users will not be impinged on the screen faces during its operation.
Prior to instream performance testing of the completed boat chute, SG1 provided input on design refinements to some of the hydraulic features.
SG1 (in conjunction with O2 Planning + Design) was responsible for developing safety and wayfinding signage and for determining its placement on site.
Instream performance testing of the boat chute, spillway, and fish passage was conducted by SG1 and other members of the project team before opening the facility to the public. SG1 played a key role in coordinating the testing events and making sure the necessary feedback was obtained from instream participants.