Replacement of a crumbling rockfill diversion dam and intake structure on the Upper Arkansas River allows better access for water recreation and improves raw water delivery to the state’s Western Slope. Originally built in the 1960s, the rockfill diversion was replaced with a reinforced concrete diversion weir. The grouted boulder spillway has an integrated fishway, a drop and boat chute and a reinforced concrete-bank wedge intake structure connecting to a welded steel pipeline that runs to the Western Slope.  

The fish passage, boat channel and spillway had to be completed in phases to allow for additional runoff the following spring. A temporary diversion constrained the river to accommodate construction of the remaining improvements.

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