Construction work on the Douglas canal diversion project reached the point of substantial completion this past Friday. The three main concrete structures have been finished and compaction/backfill completed. We were able to flood and test operations of the new headgate late Thursday. Performance was well within specs. Substantial completion means that the diversion is now operable if need be. However, there still remains some work to be done before total completion. This includes installation of one additional stilling well for the creekside flow measurement device, various conduit for the electronic cabling for flow measurement equipment, walkway & railings for the canal flow measurement structure, along with site restoration work. Hopefully, most of this remaining work can be completed within the next week to ten days.
We will also be doing some minor work on the lower end of Douglas canal through the next week. This includes routine cleaning of the canal through sections of the P/B ranch upstream to the upper point of Dry Gulch.
Currently, I expect to begin charging Douglas canal with water on Monday, May 3rd, assuming that there is demand at that time. It would be helpful to me if irrigators on Douglas canal will contact me between now and then if you plan to begin irrigation in that time frame. Thank you.
Images of new headgate structure
click to enlarge
