The Dr. Morrison Canal on the on the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project was temporarily shut off early this week due to a landslide.

There is a potential for a major failure of the canal, and the condition of the canal needs to be assessed with the water off. Investigation of the cause is continuing, and a plan to resolve the problem as soon as possible is being developed.

The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe recognize the inconvenience to water users and the importance of getting the water back on, but the situation requires a cautious approach. The tribe is supportive of the BIA’s caution.

It is hoped that the water will be turned back down the canal within one to two weeks.

For more information, call the BIA at 970-563-4513 or the tribe’s Division of Water Resources at 970-563-9482.