N O R T H
F O R K
R I V E R
I M P R O V E M E N T
A S S O C I A T I O N

Irrigation Diversions
Rebuilding irrigation diversions provides reliable and efficient irrigation water while conserving in-stream flows. Sustainable agriculture and the rural quality of life are top priorities in the community and agriculture is dependent on irrigation. However, the unstable nature of the river has caused extensive damage to irrigation facilities and farmers cannot afford to repair them properly. Therefore, every summer ditch companies hire bulldozers to construct temporary gravel “push-up” dams in the river to divert water.

NFRIA designs permanent, low-head, rock diversion structures with concrete headgates at the point of diversion. This conserves water and reduces maintenance by diverting a full decree of water and leaving the rest in the river. Fish are able to migrate upstream while recreational boats can safely pass downstream. The channel is allowed to stabilize and vegetation to reestablish with the elimination of the bulldozer.

Habitat is preserved and water share-holders receive
their allotted amount of water.

Thus far, NFRIA has restored four diversion structures. Four more are scheduled to be rebuilt by 2007.
Smith-McNight
 Click to enlarge Click to enlarge
Short
Sheppard-Wilmont
Click to enlarge
Monitor

 

Click on the map to find more information about a particular diversion

Contact NFRIA at:

122 A. East Bridge Street
PO Box 682
Hotchkiss, CO 81419
phone: (970) 872-4614
fax: (970) 872-4621

 
E-mail