FLOOD01339

• County: Larimer
• Community: Loveland
• Stream Name: Big Thompson River
• Title: Application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a License to Re-construct, Operate, and Maintain the Loveland Project
• Date: 11/1/1977
• Prepared For: FERC
• Prepared By: Loveland
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Miscellaneous

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I.

SUMMARY
The LOVELAND PROJECT, a minor project on the Big Thompson River was constructed
and completed in 1924 and was in continuous operation until damaged by a flood on July
31, 1976 and has not been in operation since that time.

The applicant intends to reactivate the Project. In order to accomplish this it will be
necessary to remove the remains of the existing dam and excavate approximately 14,000
cubic yards of alluviam and rock at the dam site. Excavated material will be loaded into
trucks and either hauled out of the Big Thompson, or utilized as fill material for other
projects within the canyon. Release of sediment into the Big Thompson River during
excavation will be minimal and will have no adverse effect on fish life downstream.

After the project is back in operation annual flushing of the reservoir will not be required,
as was the case in the past. The new dam will be designed to provide for continuous
sluicing thus reducing the accumulation of sand and silt in the reservoir.

It will also be necessary to re-construct the 900 KW hydroelectric plant approximately 1.6
miles downstream from the dam (see vicinity map and project site). Repair of the penstock,
construction of the dam and construction of the powerplant will cause no disturbance of
wildlife in the area since the pipeline, dam and powerplant are adjacent to the existing
highway and wildlife do not inhabit that immediate area. No fish or wildlife will be taken
during construction.

After completion of the dam the Colorado Division of Wildlife will again stock the reservoir
with Rainbow and Brown Trout thus enhancing the fishing on the Big Thompson.

II.

DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA
The Big Thompson Canyon is deeply incised, spectacularly rugged valley with total relief in
the project area approximating 2,500 feet.

In geologic terms, the valley is youthful, as characterized by a narrow floor having a
relatively steep, rugged commonly rock-faced slopes. High rock cliffs are common.