The Dr. Morrison Canal, the largest canal on the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project (PRIIP), plays an important role in supporting the irrigation needs of the Southern Ute Tribe, delivering water to 3,947 acres of irrigable land. 

In the fall of 2022, the Water Resources Division (WRD), assessed a pipeline near the canal’s midpoint, which services over 2,100 acres of Tribal and non-Tribal lands downstream. The assessment revealed that the nearly 1,000-foot corrugated metal pipeline was in failing condition. Severe deterioration from years of abrasion and corrosion, particularly at the pipe’s bottom, had caused the pipe to completely rust through and begin collapsing. Corrugated metal pipes like this one typically have an expected lifespan of about 25 years, and it is estimated that this pipe has exceeded 50 years of use.  

To address this critical issue, the WRD requested emergency funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, PRIIP owner and operator, to replace the failing pipeline. With assistance from Southern Ute Lands Division, a detailed site survey was completed for the existing pipeline. Utilizing the complied survey data, pipe manufacturer Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. developed a CAD-drawn pipe lay diagram to guide the installation of the new pipeline. After evaluating various options, WRD selected a 48-inch-diameter Dual Wall HP Storm Pipe for its durability, 100-year minimum service life, and capacity to handle varying irrigation and storm flows. Factors such as downstream irrigation demands, channel slope, flow rate, headwater impacts, were all considered in the design process.  

Once funding was approved, the WRD engaged in a contract with WCA Construction, a Ute Mountain Ute owned company, for the project. Construction commenced Monday, Oct. 14, immediately following the end of the irrigation season. Despite challenges posed by weather delays, the project was completed within four weeks, thanks to thorough pre-project planning efforts and a skilled construction team. 

The successful replacement of the Dr. Morrison Canal pipeline marks another milestone in the WRD’s ongoing effort to improve aging PRIIP infrastructure. These projects aim to enhance water delivery efficiency and ensure the long-term sustainability of irrigation water delivery to Southern Ute lands.  

For more information about this project or other current and future initiatives, please contact the Southern Ute Water Resources Division at 970-563-9482.