FLOOD01339 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I sufficiently to destroy the dam, the release of 45 acre feet of water would not cause damage or endanger lives downstream. There is no evidence of any archaeological sites within the Canyon. Therefore, any excavation required should not present a hazard from an archaeological point of view. Extreme caution will be exercised during excavating operations to be alert for human and other remains which might be left as a result of the flood. Investigations have been unable to produce any historical resources within the Canyon which are worthy of designation in the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORICAL PLACES. Most certainly Big Thompson Canyon has an interesting history, but designation from a national standpoint does not seem warranted. The reconstruction of the diversion dam will occur in precisely the same location as before. The elevation of the spillway at 6017 will be seven feet lower than the elevation of the splash boards on the old dam. The resultant reservoir will be approximately the same size and configuration as before. (Scouring action from the flood has slightly altered the river bottom and the north bank at the site, but not significantly.) Prior to the flood the pipeline from the dam to Idyiwilde (approximately 3000 feet) was layed on the surface of the river bank and riprapped with hand placed stone resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and natural appearance. Approximately 1700 feet of this section of the pipeline has been washed out by the flood. Replacement will also be placed (on fill) on the surface of the river bank rather than excavated, owing to the fact that the bank is rock and excavation is not economically feasible. The replacement pipeline will be treated so as to visually harmonize with the existing naturalness of the canyon. The power plant will be located at a small park approximately 1.6 miles down stream from the dam. Aesthetically it will be considerably less obstrusive than the old power plant since it will be smaller, lower and tucked against the south bank of the park. Its facade will be constructed with natural stone placed on its concrete frame to harmonize with the existing recreation structures within the park. There will be some short term noise, air and water pollution during construction due to the operation of heavy construction equipment in the river and at the park. Water polution will