The City of Steamboat Springs Parks & Recreation has contracted with W. W. Wheeler and Associates, Inc. to design and perform construction observation services for the modifications to Upper Spring Creek Dam. Duckels Construction has been contracted to execute the work.
Based on concerns previously identified by the Colorado Division of Water Resources Dam Safety Branch, the planned dam safety improvements generally include the construction of a new 30-foot wide dam spillway and installation of additional fill material on the dam slopes with an improved dam drainage system. This modified dam will meet the qualifications of a non-jurisdictional dam impounding a smaller sized pool than what currently exists. The spillway will be capable of routing a 100-year storm event.
Due to the dam modifications, the existing bridge and trail across the spillway will be removed and will not be replaced. New interpretive signage, benches and a proposed looped trail system is planned at the upper pond following the 2019 construction.
In mid-July, Spring Creek will be diverted to flow through the bypass channel around both ponds and the upper pond will be drained to prepare for excavation work. In early August, Duckels Construction will close all access to the Off Leash Dog Park and the trail around both ponds for the duration of the project. Heavy equipment will be working on site executing the planned dam modification and trucks will be hauling material off site for disposal. Work is anticipated to take approximately six weeks.
The city has worked with the State of Colorado and the Army Corps of Engineers for permitting of the work. Due to the large volume of excess soil from the project, most of this material will be hauled off site. Some soil may be used to regrade the Off Leash Dog Park Area. All disturbed areas will be revegetated with native seed and will remain closed to all access until grass has regrown to satisfy permit requirements.
Routt County #34 (Spring Creek Road) will remain open to the public with access to the Spring Creek Trail. Other Off Leash/Voice Control recreation areas that can be enjoyed during the closure include: Sailors Way Trail, Butcherknife Trail, Rita Valentine Park and Whistler Park.
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Contact
Jenny Carey, Open Space & Trails Supervisor, 970.871.7014 or email
Craig Robinson, Parks, Open Space and Trails Manager, 970.871.7034 or email