The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Access to Long Lake via the Washington Gulch Trailhead unaffected
By Alissa Johnson
Starting this June, the Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District will conduct improvements for the Meridian Lake Park Reservoir Dam. Work is expected to last until this fall, with some closures to the road over the dam, but access to Long Lake will remain open from the Washington Gulch trailhead.
The reservoir is located below Long Lake and is visible from Washington Gulch Road. The project will replace the existing concrete spillway on the western side of the reservoir with a spillway capable of handling a 100-year flood event. The vertical spillway—a green, round metal structure in the center of the reservoir near the dam crest that does not function “hydraulically”—will also be removed.
What is known as the “outlet works” will be replaced as well. According to Todd Fessenden, district manager, that includes a valve to let water out of the lower levels and to release water for a water rights call below the reservoir.
In a letter to affected neighbors Fessenden explained, “This project has been long planned and addresses State of Colorado Department of Natural Resources regulations, while also addressing operational improvements at the dam.”
The project will not affect access to Long Lake from the Washington Gulch trailhead, but the road across the dam will see closures. Fessenden’s letter explains road closures will be kept to a minimum and residents will be informed of those closures throughout the project.
Fessenden explained to the Crested Butte News that as a result of the work, “The reservoir will be able to hold an additional three feet of water, which equals 23.5 acre-feet of additional storage. An acre-foot of water is roughly 326,000 gallons.”
That increased water storage will be a benefit during dry years. The project should start in early June and run through fall. “It really depends on weather and [getting materials and equipment] needed to do the project site up there,” Fessenden said.
Individuals with questions can contact the Water and Sanitation District at (970) 349-7575 or [email protected].
