Our clients contracted with FlyWater, inc to make improvements to the agricultural irrigation diversions on the Winding River Ranch reach of the Yampa River, upstream of Stagecoach Reservoir. Historically, irrigation efforts at both the north side and south side diversions were quite rudimentary. These efforts entailed placing and removing large hay bales and tarps in the river at the diversion crest at the beginning and end of each irrigation season to ensure proper flow through the ranch’s ditches. Not only was this method labor intensive but the gradual decomposition of the tarps over time had left the riparian corridor strewn with twine, tarp remnants and other trash.

The primary purpose of this project was to eliminate the need for these practices while still reliably delivering the full water right (5.4 cfs) to the users. A secondary goal of the project was to improve fish passage over the diversion crests for a variety of species. By breaking the ‘drop’ of water over the structure into three small steps rather than one large one the new designs eliminated the existing vertical and water velocity barriers to fish movement while providing areas of respite for individuals as they ascend the structures.

Additionally, the project improved habitat for fish both upstream and downstream of the diversion structures. The creation of new pools, exaggerated depth in existing pools, greater oxygenation of the water via added roughness and more habitat rock strategically installed throughout the treatment areas all work in concert to create a friendlier environment for the local fish, insects and, consequently, the ranch’s anglers as well.