Pine River Indian Irrigation Project: Phase II project completion update 

Thursday - March 9, 2023 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum
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WCA crew setting the new stainless steel wasteway radial gate to replace the inoperable wooden panels.
Crews working on applying the two-part polyurea coating on the Dr. Morrison Drop Structures in the fall of 2022.
The Severo heading, located on the Los Pinos River, is pictured during the 2022 irrigation season following completion of significant repairs and improvements.
The Severo heading, located on the Los Pinos River, is pictured during the 2022 irrigation season following completion of significant repairs and improvements.
Crews applying the polyurea coating to the Severo heading diversion structure.
The Severo Heading structure after application of the polyurea coating.
The Severo Heading structure after application of the polyurea coating.
The 670 linear foot Dr. Morrison Dry Creek siphon saw extensive upgrades to prolong its service life.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Water Resources Division
Photo Credit: Courtesy Water Resources Division
Photo Credit: Courtesy Water Resources Division
Photo Credit: Courtesy Water Resources Division
Photo Credit: Courtesy Water Resources Division
Photo Credit: Courtesy Water Resources Division
Photo Credit: Courtesy Water Resources Division
Photo Credit: Courtesy Water Resources Division
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The Water Resources Division (WRD) concluded the second phase of construction on the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project (PRIIP) in December of 2022. This project’s main objective was to enhance the water delivery system for tribal members across an estimated 5,132 irrigatable acres on the PRIIP. The phased approach for rehabilitation efforts focuses on improving diversion control at critical locations like canal and lateral headings, upgrading flow measurement capability, increasing the reliability of water delivery, and reducing maintenance and associated costs.  

WCA Construction, the Tribe’s contractor, oversaw the rehabilitation of twenty-one separate structures included in this design phase, comprising one siphon on the Dr. Morrison Canal, eight large concrete drops on the Dr. Morrison Canal, the Severo Canal heading, the Frost Lateral heading, the Goodnight Lateral heading, along with nine others.  

Structures selected for this construction phase were determined by condition assessment reports’ rankings for critical maintenance. Wide-ranging renovations comprised of the demolition of spalling concrete, the forming and pouring of new concrete floors, walls, and structures, extensive concrete patching and repairs, replacement of non-functioning canal gates and operating components, removal of vegetation and sediment from structures and canal ways, and installation of safeguards like railing and walkways which were completed during the 2021-2022 irrigation offseason. During the fall of 2022, Phase II structures received a polyurea coating which provides a durable waterproof barrier and will prolong the concrete’s service life.   

With the successful completion of Phases I and II, which were funded in part through the Tribal Animas La Plata Project Resource Funds, WRD looks to begin various other projects, including securing funding for Phase III and IV shovel ready designs and proceeding with engineering work for canal and lateral headings such as the Ute Creek Long Crested Weir on the Pine River Canal and the Nannice Canal Diversion on the Los Pinos River. 

Please contact the Southern Ute Water Resources Division at 970-563-9482 with any questions or to learn more about current and future projects.  

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