Colorado State University students design model for future Fort Collins dam

In the United States, students at Colorado State University (CSU) are actively engaged in a project that involves creating and studying a miniature model of a future dam planned for construction northwest of Fort Collins. The initiative is part of a larger effort to replace the existing dam, aiming to establish a more dependable and secure structure for water retention. This new dam is expected to enhance the volume of water the Halligan Reservoir can hold, which is essential for the city’s water supply, especially during drought conditions. The project involves comprehensive testing within CSU’s hydraulics laboratory, where students are tasked with determining the most effective design for the new dam. Their work focuses on how the dam can manage controlled water releases while minimizing risks to downstream areas during potential flooding events. Catherine Lambert, a senior involved in the project, highlighted the intricacies of creating a near-exact replica of the actual reservoir’s topography, where each inch on the model represents two feet in reality. This endeavor not only serves practical purposes but also enhances the students' academic experience and professional skills. The project is recognized as vital for Fort Collins’ water management strategy, as it seeks to bolster the city’s water resources, crucial in periods of drought. Researchers involved estimate that by the end of 2025, the design of the dam will be over 60% complete, although actual construction is not expected to begin for several more years. Ellis, another researcher contributing to the initiative, emphasized the importance of water storage on the Front Range, explaining that the region is water-scarce, and optimizing water retention systems with safety and cost in mind is paramount. In the context of practical learning, this project allows students to visualize their academic concepts and contribute to a significant infrastructure development that will affect the community positively. By building and testing the model, they gain hands-on experience that is invaluable for their future careers in engineering and environmental science. The initiative aligns with the city’s goal to ensure a sustainable and resilient water supply for its residents as they face increasingly challenging climatic conditions.