UC Today is the quarterly newsletter of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Interior Region 7 – Upper Colorado Basin covering the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. We look forward to sharing with you some of the projects and activities that we have been working on to manage, develop and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

from the
Upper Colorado Basin Regional Office

View of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell
View of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. Reclamation photo

Bureau of Reclamation and Colorado River operations
The UCB Region has two different processes currently underway that involve Colorado River Operations.

By Upper Colorado Basin Public Affairs

Near-term Colorado River Operations (2024 through 2026)

On Oct. 26, Reclamation published a revised draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for Near-term Colorado River Operations in case continued low runoff conditions result in critically low elevations at Lake Powell or Lake Mead, jeopardizing water delivery and operations. The revised draft SEIS includes more recent hydrologic data and the proposed alternative from the Lower Division States of Arizona, California and Nevada, known as the "Lower Division Proposal."

Key Components of Revised Draft SEIS

Reclamation conducted updated modeling analyses using June 2023 hydrology for the No Action Alternative, Action Alternatives 1 and 2 from the initial draft SEIS, and the Lower Division proposal. The results of that modeling indicate that the risk of reaching critical elevations at Lake Powell and Lake Mead has been reduced substantially. As a result of the commitment to record volumes of conservation in the Basin and recent hydrology, the chance of falling below critical elevations was reduced to eight percent at Lake Powell and four percent at Lake Mead through 2026. However, elevations in these reservoirs remain historically low and conservation measures like those outlined by the Lower Division proposal will still be necessary to ensure continued water delivery to communities and to protect the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River System.

Based on these modeling results, Reclamation will continue the SEIS process with detailed consideration of the No Action Alternative and the Lower Division Proposal. The revised SEIS designates the Lower Division Proposal as the Proposed Action. Alternatives 1 and 2 from the initial SEIS were considered but eliminated from detailed analysis.

The public comment period closes Dec. 12. To provide comment, visit Public Involvement - Supplemental EIS | Bureau of Reclamation (usbr.gov).

Post-2026 Colorado River Operations

The post-2026 process is a multi-year effort that will identify a range of alternatives and ultimately determine operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead and other water management actions, potentially for decades into the future. Reclamation recently published the Post-2026 Scoping Report, providing a summary of the nearly 25,000 comments received during the public scoping period. This input will be used to develop a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) by the end of 2024 that will analyze how future operational guidelines and strategies can be sufficiently robust and adaptive to withstand a broad range of hydrological conditions and ultimately provide greater stability to water users and the public throughout the Colorado River Basin.


"The Colorado River Basin has come together over the past year to create a consensus path in the short term that now allows us to focus on the future. Today's next steps for post-2026 planning helps continue the momentum between all stakeholders across the Basin on what the future operations of this critical system will look like," said Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton. "As the range of alternatives is developed, Reclamation is committed to a collaborative, inclusive and transparent process with our partners, stakeholders and the public."


The completed draft EIS is anticipated by the end of 2024 and will include a public comment period. Reclamation anticipates a final EIS will be available in late 2025, followed by a Record of Decision in early 2026.


Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Canyon Dam in Page, Arizona. Reclamation photo

Reclamation analyzing Glen Canyon Dam operations to disrupt invasive fish

By Upper Colorado Basin Public Affairs

Reclamation recently announced it is initiating the formal process to develop and analyze future flow options from Glen Canyon Dam to help disrupt invasive fish from spawning downstream. The proposed flow options would potentially run through 2027.

As Lake Powell's water elevation has declined, the epilimnion, or upper layer of the lake where most fish reside, has become closer to the water intakes for Glen Canyon Dam, and nonnative fish are now more likely to pass through the dam and downstream into the Colorado River. The epilimnion is also the warmest, top-most layer of the reservoir and, when discharged downstream, increases the temperature of the river, creating ideal spawning conditions for warm-water, non-native fish, such as smallmouth bass, to reproduce and eventually establish populations.

The Notice of Intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and a modified Record of Decision for the 2016 Long Term Experimental and Management Plan was published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2023. A 30-day scoping comment period was held from October 4, 2023, through November 3, 2023. Reclamation hosted two open-house style virtual public webinars during the scoping period.

Reclamation plans to release a Scoping Summary Report in December 2023 that will include a summary of the scoping comment period, public webinars, comment analysis process, comment statistics, and a summary of the key themes and resource issues identified during scoping. The report will be posted to the project website once complete.


"Reclamation has obligations under the 2016 Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan Biological Opinion to protect humpback chub," said Reclamation Upper Colorado Basin Regional Director Wayne Pullan. "Humpback chub were recently downlisted from endangered to threatened. However, in the Grand Canyon, the number of sub-adults has been low enough to trigger taking additional conservation actions to bolster the population by increasing survival and growth."


It is estimated there are approximately 60,000 humpback chubs below Glen Canyon Dam, with some residing in and around the Little Colorado River's confluence with the Colorado River approximately 75 miles downstream of the dam, and a larger population in the Western Grand Canyon beginning approximately 175 miles downstream of the dam.


from the
Western Colorado Area Office

Aerial view of Fruitgrowers Dam
Fruitgrowers Dam. Reclamation photo

Fruitgrowers Dam gate improvement project

By Justyn Liff, Western Colorado Public Affairs

On Oct.30, construction began to install new outlet gates and bring electrical power to the control house at Fruitgrowers Dam located near Orchard City, Colorado.

guard gate valve
24 inch upstream guard gate valve that will be replaced. Reclamation photo by Phil Ipson

The Fruitgrowers Dam Project consists of a homogeneous earthfill dam and reservoir that provides storage for 4,540 acre-feet of water, constructed by Reclamation in 1938. This dam replaced a small, 40-year-old dam that was constructed by water users in 1898 and failed in 1937. In the wake of the small dam failure, Reclamation and the Fruitgrowers Project helped water users retain their livelihood and continue to farm fruit, small grains, corn, alfalfa, and pasture.

Today the Fruitgrowers Dam Project is owned by Reclamation and operated and maintained by Orchard City Irrigation District (OCID). The existing outlet gates for Fruitgrowers Dam are past their expected service life and are manually operated. This means that the gate operator must travel to the dam to manually adjust the outflow from the reservoir, which results in operational inefficiencies as the gates cannot be continually adjusted to match downstream demand.


"Efforts like the Fruitgrowers Dam Gate Improvement Project ensure that Reclamation projects are effective and well-maintained," said Ed Warner, Western Colorado Area Office Manager. Ultimately, the Fruitgrowers Project will incorporate new technologies that improve operations and enable more efficient water management,"


Before construction began, the Fruitgrowers Reservoir was drained as much as possible to facilitate the outlet gate replacement. Kissner General Contractors, Inc. was selected to construct the project with oversight from OCID and Reclamation's Western Colorado Area Office staff. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2024.

For more information on the Fruitgrowers Project visit: Fruitgrowers Project (usbr.gov).


from the
Four Corners Construction Office

See caption info
An aerial look of the near finished Bahastł'ah Pumping Plant (#7). Reclamation photo

Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project construction update

By Ryan Royer, Design and Commissioning Group Chief, Bureau of Reclamation

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project continues marching on! The Cutter Lateral Water Treatment plant has been providing a clean, reliable source of water to the eastern checkerboard portions of the Navajo and Jicarilla Apache Nations for almost three years. The construction on the San Juan Lateral portion of the project is in full swing, and to date, approximately 285 miles of pipeline has been installed or is under contract.

Two red roofed building of Tooh Haltsooi Pumping Plant.
The structures of Tooh Haltsooi Pumping Plant (#4) from the viewpoint atop the newly constructed 1 million gallon water storage tank. Note highway 491 in the background. Reclamation photo

Currently, four pumping plants are under construction with Tooh Haltsooi (Pumping Plant 4) and Bahastł'ah (Pumping Plant 7) nearing completion by next spring. Tsé Da'azkání (Pumping Plant 2) and Tó Ałts'íísí (Pumping Plant 3) are under contract, and the contractor has broken ground with massive rock crushing and earth moving efforts easily visible from highway 491.

Furthermore, miles upon miles of pipeline are being trenched, laid and/or pulled into its final resting place. Navajo Code Talkers Sublateral, traversing from Yah-Tah-Hey Junction west on the north side of Highway 264, has installed over 7 miles of 30" and 24" diameter pipe and multiple Horizontal Directional Drills (HDDs) under washes and through difficult terrain. One large structure under construction on Navajo Code Talkers is the Black Hat Storage Tank, which will hold 1.5 million gallons of water when completed.

Reach 4a and 4b, which start just north of Tó Ałts'íísí in Sanostee Chapter, is under contract and clearing and grubbing activities are commencing. Expect to see large stockpiles of 42" diameter pipe being stored or strung out in the coming months as the contractor progresses!

Pumping plant interior showing the extensive steel pipeworks that make up the discharge manifold
The near completed pipe discharge manifold on the interior of Bahastł'ah Pumping Plant. Reclamation photo

Reclamation's partners are continuing to make progress on their reaches. The Gallup Regional System is more than 75% complete and work is beginning on the latest phase on the east side of Gallup with Reach 27.7B. Indian Health Service is set to begin construction on Reaches 14.1 and 14.2 in the Churchrock and Iyanbito Chapters this fall. The Navajo Nation is nearing final design completion on the Beacon Bisti N9 Sublateral and construction is set to begin on Reach 10.1.1, the Coyote Canyon community connection, this winter. Overall, the San Juan Lateral is more than 50% complete.


from the
Albuquerque Area Office

Bryan Lawlis, AAO Project Management Specialist, looks over the RM60 outfall culverts
Bryan Lawlis, AAO Project Management Specialist, looks over the RM60 outfall culverts. Reclamation photo

Sedimental Journey

By Pacifica Casares-Chehy, Albuquerque Public Affairs

Did you know that the Rio Grande stands as one of the most sediment-laden rivers globally, alongside the Missouri and China's Yellow River? In an average runoff year, such as the most recent one, Elephant Butte Reservoir receives a substantial 2.5 to 5 million tons of sediment, composed mainly of sand, silt, and clay.

Bryan Lawlis, AAO Project Management Specialist, inspects the RM60 outfall gates
Bryan Lawlis, AAO Project Management Specialist, inspects the RM60 outfall gates. Reclamation photo

While you might be familiar with the term "sediment load" as the quantity of fine-grain sediment transported through a stream in a year, understanding why lower sediment loads are crucial in our waterways is key. The elevated sediment loads downstream of San Antonio, New Mexico, in concert with the existing levee system, contribute to significant channel aggradation, filling the riverbed with sediments. This poses a complex sediment management challenge, affecting the maintenance of an open, functional channel for downstream water delivery in the 40-mile stretch leading to the Elephant Butte Reservoir pool. Issues include sediment plugs, channel and floodplain perching above the valley, and increased water losses and waterlogging of adjacent areas along the river channel. Furthermore, this river corridor supports valuable riverine, riparian, and wetland habitats for local fish and wildlife, which can also be adversely impacted by flooding, drought, and sedimentation.

Bryan Lawlis, AAO Project Management Specialist, walks on the catwalk to check the gate actuators
Bryan Lawlis, AAO Project Management Specialist, walks on the catwalk to check the gate actuators. Reclamation photo

Related to these challenges, the Socorro Field Division recently completed the construction of Reclamation's River Mile 60 (RM60) Project. This initiative aims to facilitate more efficient flows from the Low Flow Conveyance Channel (LFCC) into the Rio Grande and eventually Elephant Butte reservoir. The LFCC provides valley drainage of upstream agricultural and refuge lands via irrigation return flows and groundwater seepage. Prior to this, the LFCC previously did not have a more direct outfall to the Rio Grande due to loss of connection caused by reservoir inundation and sedimentation during elevated reservoir conditions going back to the mid-1980s when the reservoir was full.

This project is designed to enhance Reclamation's water delivery to Elephant Butte Reservoir, aligning with the interstate Rio Grande Compact Agreement for water allocation among Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Simultaneously, the RM60 Project will sustain flows to nearby habitat areas that support native plant and animal species. Following construction, a two-year period of experimental operations and adaptive management is planned.

The Socorro Field Division, oversees the maintenance of 300 miles of the Rio Grande. Notably, the Socorro Field Office earned the prestigious 2023 Commissioner's Organization Award for Safety Excellence for their work on projects just like the RM60 Project.


Stop log gate being lifted by crane
Removing of the intake structure stop log gates at Caballo Dam Oct. 30, 2023. Guillermo Hernandez pictured monitoring the removal and ensuring no issues occur while crane was lifting the stop log gates out. Reclamation photo by Matthew Pedroza

Caballo Reservoir stoplog project update

By Pacifica Casares-Chehy, Albuquerque Public Affairs

Reclamation's Albuquerque Area Office Team recently executed a drawdown of Caballo Reservoir, reducing its storage capacity to approximately 6,000 acre-feet, marking the lowest level reached in mid-October. This strategic drawdown facilitated the installation of "stoplogs," wooden panels or gates with a metal frame to ensure a seamless process for their placement and thereby cutting off flows to the location for the repair. In other words, the stoplogs serve the crucial purpose of blocking water from entering the main discharge conduit to enable its comprehensive inspection. These stoplogs remained in position for 14 days.


"Stoplogs are important because they allow inspections of the outlet tunnel upstream of the emergency and regulating gates," emphasized Ben Kalminson, Elephant Butte Field Division facility manager. "The last time this comprehensive inspection was completed was in 2002 and this inspection plays a vital role in the Rio Grande Project by ensuring the structural integrity of the outlet tunnel for years to come."


Stop log gate being lifted by crane
Removing of the intake structure stop log gates at Caballo Dam Oct. 30, 2023. Guillermo Hernandez pictured monitoring the removal and ensuring no issues occur while crane was lifting the stop log gates out. Reclamation photo by Matthew Pedroza

Kalminson further explained that this project marks the initial phase of a broader rehabilitation initiative for the smaller Bonita Irrigation Pipe which is essential to guarantee dam safety and the longevity of the structure, ensuring a sustainable water supply for southern New Mexico. This successful effort also underscores Reclamation's commitment to enhancing dam safety and fortifying Reclamation infrastructure in the region.

Following the removal of the stoplogs, Caballo Reservoir will experience an increase in storage volume through the inflow of natural water. "Over the non-irrigation season, we get natural flows of water from rain events and from seepage from Elephant Butte Dam down river to Caballo reservoir," explained Kalminson.

"It was a job well done, with exceptional coordination, resulting in the inspection of typically inaccessible features that are now thoroughly documented," said Kalminson.

Reclamation maintained close coordination with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and New Mexico State Parks throughout this undertaking.


from the
Power Office

View of the turbines inside of the Morrow Point Powerplant.
The powerplant at Morrow Point Dam generated 40% more hydropower in water year 2023 compared to the previous year. The boost in hydropower generation at Morrow Point and throughout the Upper Colorado Basin can be attributed to above-average snowpack and high runoff. Reclamation photo

Water year 2023 boosts region's hydropower generation

By Becki Bryant, Upper Colorado Basin Public Affairs

The final numbers are in, and not surprisingly, the bountiful snowpack and strong runoff in the Colorado River Basin during water year 2023 (Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023) gave the region's hydropower generation a big boost.

Snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin peaked at 161%, and the observed unregulated inflow into Lake Powell measured 10.69 million acre-feet (166% of average). This resulted in more water being sent downstream from Lake Powell to Lake Mead, as Reclamation is required to "balance the contents" of Lake Mead and Lake Powell, as outlined in the 2007 Interim Guidelines. As a result, Glen Canyon Dam's annual release volume for WY 2023 was initially set at 7.0 million acre-feet, and ended up at 8.58 maf.

Releasing more water from the dam increased hydropower generation compared to the previous year. In WY 2022 (Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 20, 2022), hydropower production at Glen Canyon hit a record low of 2.59 million MWh, but the powerplant generated 3.27 million MWh in WY 2023. The difference is enough to power approximately 61,800 American homes for a year.

Hydropower production was also up basin-wide, with all 12 powerplants in the basin – Blue Mesa, Crystal, Deer Creek, Elephant Butte, Flaming Gorge, Fontenelle, Glen Canyon, Lower and Upper Molina, McPhee, Morrow Point, and Towaoc – producing more energy in WY 2023 compared to WY 2022. The biggest gains came from McPhee Dam (423% increase), Elephant Butte (179%) and Towaoc (105%).

Unfortunately, the outlook for WY 2024 is not as rosy, as Lake Powell/Glen Canyon Dam, which produces 75% of the basin's hydropower, is operating in the mid-elevation release tier, and will release 7.48 maf of water without the potential of a mid-year adjustment/balancing.


Quagga mussel build up on fixed wheel gate
Quagga mussel build up on fixed wheel gate. Reclamation photo

Shining a Light on Quagga Mussel Prevention

By Riley Martin, Upper Colorado Basin Public Affairs

Glen Canyon Implements UV technology to Preserve Our Waterways

For more than a decade, Glen Canyon Dam and Powerplant has grappled with the relentless invasion of Quagga mussels. The growing numbers of these troublesome creatures have forced Reclamation to employ proactive measures to combat their populations and it is a never-ending battle.

Glen Canyon employee shovels off Quagga build up
Glen Canyon employee shovels off Quagga build up. Reclamation photo

A significant factor in the aggressive spread of mussels across western waterways is the contamination of boats by veligers, the microscopic larvae responsible for their reproduction. Once veligers are introduced to a body of water, preventing population growth becomes exceedingly challenging. When Quagga mussels were first discovered in Lake Powell about 10 years ago, they were found in small numbers; today, they require shovels to be removed by the bucketfuls. If left unaddressed for an extended period, the mussels can obstruct pipes and render infrastructure inoperable.

At present, Reclamation employs a variety of methods to prevent the continued population growth of these invasive mussels at our facilities, including chemical control, filtration, and the application of eco-friendly protective coatings to submerged surfaces. Additionally, mechanical measures have been employed over the last decade, with practices such as jetting, scraping, and cleaning playing a central role in keeping our infrastructure free from Quagga mussels. Unfortunately, this approach is not sustainable for long-term effectiveness, given the significant time and resources these methodologies demand.

Enter UV light technology – a powerful, proven solution that's currently being installed at Glen Canyon Dam and Powerplant to combat the spread of mussels in our system.

Glimpse into the UV Technology

This simple yet highly effective concept involves the use of specially designed "bug lights," which are reflective pipes equipped with intense UV lights. These lights create electric arcs of such intensity that they can efficiently neutralize mussel veligers.

Better, faster and cheaper, UV light irradiation is a valuable tool for preventing mussel settlement because, unlike conventional treatments, it has no detrimental effects to the environment.

Glen Canyon mechanical engineer Ron Elder, shows off the new UV light and strainer system
Glen Canyon mechanical engineer Ron Elder, shows off the new UV light and strainer system. Reclamation photo

It's important to note that the UV light does not harm mature mussel; instead, it serves as a preventive measure, stopping further growth of the veligers.

Reclamation facilities in the Lower Colorado Basin (LCB) have achieved notable success with this technology at Parker and Davis dams. The data collected from LCB clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of UV lights in their battle against Quagga mussels, underscoring why this technology holds promise for making a significant impact at Glen Canyon.

"Initial estimates suggest that the UV lights will be around 90% effective at Glen Canyon, a substantial improvement to utilizing other methods alone and will bolster our ability to maintain our systems for the long term," said Glen Canyon mechanical engineer Ron Elder.

Application: Two UV Lights for Each Generating Unit

The implementation of the UV technology involves installing two UV lights for each of Glen Canyon's eight generating units. One for the turbine bearing coolers and transformer coolers, the other for the generator coolers.

The schedule includes installing two units per year, meaning that this year and the following three years will witness the installation of this UV technology.

"This strategy aligns with our commitment to minimizing operational disruptions and effectively coordinates the work with our annual maintenance schedules," said Glen Canyon field division manager Gus Levy.

Strainer baskets clogged with Quagga debris
Strainer baskets clogged with Quagga debris. Reclamation photo

In addition to the UV lights, new filter/strainer baskets have been added to capture shell debris before it escapes downstream. This multifaceted approach aims to gradually reduce the mussel load and prevent the formation of new veligers.

"We've been fortunate at Glen Canyon in that we've never experienced operational disruptions due to interference from mussels, and I want to keep that record," said Levy. "The fewer mussels we have passing through our system, the more man-hours we can allocate to other essential maintenance."

The entire project is estimated to be completed by the fall of 2026, representing a significant step forward in Glen Canyon's ongoing efforts to safeguard our waterways and ensure the sustainability of our operations.


An armed Security Response Force officer stands poised in a stairwell
A Security Response Force officer responds during the emergency exercise at Glen Canyon Dam. The exercise included a simulated terrorist attack at the dam with officers in pursuit of four suspects. Reclamation photo by Ron Anderson

Planning for the worst — Emergency response exercise at Glen Canyon Dam
Emergency response exercise at Glen Canyon Dam provides valuable experience

By Becki Bryant, Upper Colorado Basin Public Affairs

The Upper Colorado Basin Region's Power Office sponsored a two-day training and emergency exercise in September at Glen Canyon Dam, with multiple outside agencies participating. The purpose of the exercise was to test emergency response plans and procedures, and to better prepare personnel to respond to an emergency situation.

The exercise scenario included both a hydrologic event and a physical security threat. In the scenario, Lake Powell's elevation was near capacity with high forecasted inflows, while a simulated terrorist attack prevented dam operators from releasing water through the powerplant and spillway gates, risking the dam's integrity. The scenario advanced and had many moving pieces, requiring participants to make decisions quickly, referencing the dam's Emergency Action Plan for guidance.

"I think everyone learned a lot from the exercise, which was the goal," said civil engineer and emergency management coordinator for UCB's Power Office Jenna Herreman, who helped with planning and conducting the exercise.

More than a dozen federal, state and local agencies participated in the exercise, including the National Park Service, National Weather Service, Arizona's Coconino and Mohave counties, Arizona Department of Emergency Management and Military Affairs, Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Page, and Utah's Kane, Garfield and San Juan counties.

"By getting everybody in the same room, we were able to identify more resources that we didn't know we had, such as additional support like nearby SWAT and K9 units," said City of Page Police Chief Tim Lange.

The inter-agency collaboration and networking opportunity provided by the exercise also proved to be valuable to Reclamation's Security Response Force officers.

"This emergency exercise was the first time in a while that we've been able to have other agencies in the same room," said Security Response Force Officer Michael Mason-Tait. "Being face to face provides an opportunity for engaging discussions and information sharing and that will help foster better response to a real emergency."

Evaluators observed and documented these discussions and decisions among exercise participants to determine if they conformed to plans, policies and procedures. Amy Van Horn, a civil engineer and emergency management coordinator for the Provo Area Office, served as an evaluator during the Glen Canyon Dam emergency exercise and knows firsthand the importance of practicing.

"Because of record spring runoff and high reservoir levels, the Provo Area Office activated four Emergency Action Plans this year: East Canyon, Deer Creek, Causey and Hyrum dams," said Van Horn. "When we had to come together as a group and make those notifications, it was almost second nature because we had practiced so many times."

After the exercise, participants and evaluators shared their experiences with the group.

"I'm grateful for everyone's participation and providing great feedback," said Herreman. "We'll use that feedback to improve our emergency plans and procedures, so we are better prepared next time, whether it's another exercise or a real-life situation."


from the
Provo Area Office

Construction workers working concrete into the forms for the new spillway
An office with a view: Provo's Force Account Crew made the repairs quickly to ensure the spillway could be used if needed as early as December. Reclamation photo

Ready for the next go-round
Repairs to Hyrum spillway completed after high water year

By Becki Bryant, Upper Colorado Basin Public Affairs

The spillway at Hyrum Dam recently received needed and well-deserved repairs after record snowpack and high runoff this past spring pushed the nearly 90-year-old structure to its limits. During the peak runoff period (April - July 2023), spillway releases reached upwards of 1,100 cubic feet per second and about 90,000 acre-feet of water was released through the spillway – double the average of 44,683 acre-feet (2010 – 2022).

Out of an abundance of caution, Reclamation started continual monitoring of the spillway in early May and staged heavy equipment and riprap material nearby in preparation for potential emergency repairs.

"Reclamation was prepared to take immediate action if the spillway needed emergency repairs. Fortunately, that didn't happen," said Provo Area Office Manager Rick Baxter.

Bright orange spray paint marks the area where the spillway's concrete needed to be repaired
Bright orange spray paint marks the area where the spillway's concrete needed to be repaired. Reclamation photo

While the Hyrum spillway handled the brunt of the high-water flows, it didn't go unscathed. Once the spillway gates were closed and the spillway was dry, Reclamation inspectors noticed new cracks and flaking in the spillway's concrete and determined the concrete had delaminated. Concrete delamination is when the thin layers of concrete separate from the concrete surface, and the damage is often heard before it is seen.

"The inspectors actually noticed it when they walked across a portion of the spillway – they could hear it. The concrete sounded 'drummy' or hollow under their footsteps," said Provo Area Office Civil Engineer Spencer Strand. The inspectors confirmed the damage with rebound hammer testing and determined a section of the spillway, measuring approximately 19 feet long by 16 feet wide and located where the open-channel spillway drops downward, needed to be replaced.

"This part of the spillway was patched just a few years ago," said Strand. "This time we dug deeper, removing the old concrete to just below the rebar to allow the new concrete to flow completely around the rebar and make a stronger bond."

Exposed rebar in the4 Hyrum spillway
An area measuring 19 feet long by 16 feet wide and located where the spillway drops down toward the stilling basin needed to be repaired. Force Account crew members removed the weakened concrete just below the rebar. Reclamation photo

The spillway at Hyrum is used nearly every year, sometimes as early as December if projections indicate runoff will exceed the reservoir's capacity, which it generally does because the reservoir is small compared to the drainage basin.

"The spillway at Hyrum is a workhorse, and it's critical that we keep it in the best shape possible," said Baxter. "These most recent repairs are part of the ongoing and continuous maintenance that has occurred on the spillway since construction in 1935, and we'll continue to do so until a new spillway can be built in the near future."

Completed concrete patch
Completed concrete patch. Reclamation photo

Reclamation is working with the South Cache Water Users Association, which is responsible for operating and maintaining the dam, to replace the aging spillway starting in 2026.

Hyrum's 2023 Water Year by the Numbers

Hyrum Dam and Reservoir are located on the Little Bear River, approximately nine miles southwest of Logan, Utah. The dam provides water storage for irrigation and municipal use.

A key operational goal is to achieve maximum reservoir storage just prior to initial irrigation releases without overtopping the dam's gates. This was particularly challenging this past spring with record snowpack and high runoff. Kudos to the Provo Area Office for doing a superb job of safely balancing high inflows and outflows.

  • Little Bear River Basin-wide peak snowpack (Snow Water Equivalent): *186% of median
    • 35.5 inches SWE vs. median of 19.1 inches
  • April – July runoff: 232% of average
    • 90,000 acre-feet vs. 39,000 acre-feet (1991-2020 average)
  • Maximum reservoir inflow: 1185 cfs on May 15, 2023
  • Maximum spillway release: 1115 cfs on May 16, 2023
  • Total volume of water released through spillway during peak runoff: 77,900 acre-feet
  • Total volume of water released through spillway in WY 2023: 90,100 acre-feet
    • vs. 44,683 acre-feet (2010-2022 average)

*indicates new record
All numbers 2023 unless otherwise noted
Data supplied by Gary Henrie, civil engineer (hydrologic) with Reclamation's Provo Area Office


Upper Colorado Basin's Provo Area Office Manager Rick Baxter
Upper Colorado Basin's Provo Area Office Manager Rick Baxter. Reclamation photo

Reclamation announces Rick Baxter as manager for Provo Area Office

By Amee Andreason, Upper Colorado Basin Public Affairs

The Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado Basin Region has announced Rick Baxter as the new area manager for the Provo Area Office. In his new position, Baxter will oversee water projects throughout Utah, southwestern Wyoming and a very small portion of southeast Idaho.

The Provo Area Office is responsible for 16 water projects that include 50 high hazard dams, 419 miles of canals, 613 miles of laterals, 57 miles of tunnels, 132 miles of pipelines, six powerplants, 14 pumping stations and 1,064,000 acres of acquired fee title, withdrawn, and easement lands.


"With his solid resource management and project operation and maintenance experience, Rick is well-prepared to address the water-related challenges emerging in the Provo Area Office's service area of Utah and Wyoming." said UCB Regional Director Wayne Pullan. "His leadership and managerial approach will enhance the capabilities of his team, enhancing the office's legacy of partnership and collaboration."


Baxter began his Reclamation career in 2014 as a wildlife biologist in the Provo Area Office. There he progressed in management roles as the environmental group chief, Water Environmental and Lands Division manager, and his latest role was assistant area manager. In that position, Baxter oversaw the Office Engineering Division, Water Environmental and Lands Division, and Office Administrative Division. Prior to his experience with the Provo Area Office, he worked for the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service.

"I am honored for this opportunity to oversee and lead the Provo Area Office, as I go into this position with highly competent and capable staff and leadership," said Baxter. "I look forward to building strong relationships with water user associations and districts, stakeholders and the public. It is through these relationships that the Provo Area Office will be able to manage, develop and protect the critical water and power infrastructure that serves the people of Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and southeastern Idaho despite prolonged drought or wet years."

"During his time as assistant area manager, I have called on Rick more than once to head initiatives that required a focused effort and results in a compressed period of time," said Pullan. "Serving as area manager will make use of his ability to quickly develop relationships of trust among those with whom he works with and to collaboratively and efficiently address issues and managed projects—all in the service of the public."

Baxter has a doctorate in wildlife and wildlands ecology and master's and bachelor's degrees in wildlife and range resources — all from Brigham Young University. He was born and raised in Oregon before settling down with his family in Utah. He enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening and is also a hobby beekeeper.


In case you missed it:

  • Paul Christensen recognized for superior service

    In recognition of Paul Christensen's outstanding contributions and leadership as deputy area office manager for the Bureau of Reclamation's Provo Area Office, he was honored with the Department of the Interior's Superior Service Award.

    Paul was acknowledged for his professional engineering ability and leadership skills that ensured the completion of the Utah Lake System of the Central Utah Project. His expertise proved invaluable for the past 15 years in constructing water infrastructure that will sustain and benefit millions of Utah residents for decades to come.

  • Toquer Reservoir Groundbreaking Event

    In early November, the Washington County Water Conservancy District hosted a groundbreaking event for the long-awaited Toquer Reservoir. It will be a 3,725-acre foot reservoir that will cover 115 acres and the dam will be 125 feet tall and 1,270 feet wide. This is part of a $4.7 million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment for the Ash Creek Project through Reclamation's Small Storage Program to promote federal assistance in enhancing water storage opportunities for future generations in support of the Department of the Interior's priorities.

    The reservoir is part of the Ash Creek Project, which aims to construct a new pipeline from the existing Ash Creek Reservoir outside of Toquerville, Utah, to the new reservoir located 15 miles to the south. It will supply an alternate water source for the Toquerville Secondary Water System and preserve the high-quality water from the Toquerville Springs for potable uses.

  • Native American Heritage Month

    November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of the Indigenous peoples of America. This year's theme is "Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity," which recognizes the importance of self-determination and self-governance for Native American nations.

    As part of the celebration, those on the USBR network are invited to join a virtual Native American Heritage Program on November 29 at 10 a.m. MST / 12 p.m. EST hosted by the Columbia Pacific Northwest and Upper Colorado basins. The guest speaker is Dustin Johnson, director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, who will share his insights and perspectives on tribal sovereignty and identity in the contemporary context.

  • Groundbreaking event held for road improvement project near Elephant Butte

    The Bureau of Reclamation, New Mexico State Parks Division and Federal Highways Administration-Central Federal Lands Division held a groundbreaking event Tuesday, Sept. 19, for the Road Rehabilitation Project of Lakeshore Drive at Elephant Butte Reservoir.

    The estimated 16-month, $15 million project will significantly improve a critical road for nearly one million annual visitors to the reservoir and includes two bridges and two culverts at four separate locations along Lakeshore Drive. Read more: Groundbreaking event held for road improvement project near Elephant Butte (usbr.gov)

  • Reclamation joins partners to break ground on major water project for eastern New Mexico

    In August, the Bureau of Reclamation joined the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority and the state of New Mexico to break ground on the next phase of a water project to bring a safe, reliable water supply to eastern New Mexico.

    When completed, the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System will convey water from Ute Reservoir to approximately 70,000 people in the municipalities of Clovis, Elida, Portales, Texico, Roosevelt County, and Cannon Air Force Base. Read more: Reclamation joins partners to break ground on major water project for eastern New Mexico (usbr.gov)


Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: 2 Years Later

It's been two years since President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Since then, Reclamation has selected 372 projects to receive nearly $2.8 billion in funding. This video highlights those accomplishments.

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Interior Region 7 • Upper Colorado Basin
125 South State Street, Room 8100
Salt Lake City, Utah 84138-1147

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