Author(s): D. Shepherd; P. Rogers; G. Lacy; S. Sigle; W. Stancill
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The Palisade Whitewater Park Project is designed to improve the recreational qualities of the Colorado River reach at Riverbend Park in Palisade, Colorado and to add in-stream habitat structures without impeding the migration of various species of endangered fish. To meet regulatory approval, the proposed project needs to provide adequate fish passage in multiple locations within the project area. Furthermore, it can have no potential negative affects to existing infrastructure situated immediately upstream and downstream of the proposed project site. The proposed whitewater park will be comprised of three pool-and-drop features to provide recreational opportunities for boaters. A fish passage will be incorporated along the fringe of each feature to allow upstream migrants to navigate the structures. An irrigation ditch, which is currently non-functional and situated along the periphery of the project site, will also be improved for redundant fish passage opportunities. Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC) utilized a two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic numerical model, River2D, to provide a detailed understanding of the flow patterns and hydraulic conditions for the proposed whitewater park as it relates to fish passage. The model reproduced the full width of the Colorado River over a reach length of 1730 feet and included the islands, mid-channel bars, proposed bank deflectors and fish bypass channel. The modeling scenarios chosen allowed for direct comparisons to be made between existing and project conditions. The results were used to refine the overall geometry and make detailed adjustments to the whitewater features to improve fish passage. The application of the 2D model provided an excellent opportunity for the project designers and regulatory agencies to visualize and participate in the development of a recreational facility that will be a lasting showcase in the vibrant town of Palisade.
Year: 2009