Glen Haven at West Creek & Fox Creek
Project Description
Three streams converge near Glen Haven, Colorado: Fox Creek, West Creek, and the North Fork of the Big Thompson River. The 2013 flood caused damage along all three stream corridors as floodwaters overflowed banks, swept trees and debris downstream, and destroyed many structures, bridges, culverts, and roads. BTWC led coordination with over 90 private properties along Fox and West Creeks to implement measures that reduce risk to property and infrastructure, while improving long-term stream resilience and wildlife habitat. The majority of the stream restoration work consisted of the removal of large sediment deposits brought downstream during the flood and the construction of floodplains that encourage connectivity between floodplains and their streams. Native plants and habitat elements for wildlife were also implemented as part of the project. These restoration techniques aim to reduce the water level and impact of floodwater and debris on local homes, infrastructure, and the ecosystem.Construction began in October 2016 and was completed in June 2017.
Fun Fact
BTWC is starting a new project in Glen Haven to enhance forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and increase safe ingress/egress access during emergency events. Learn more about this new project on the Glen Haven Forest Restoration project page!
Project Photos
Before (2013)
A channel avulsion, where the main creek channel jumped across the floodplain to a different location, created the “Grand Canyon of Fox Creek.” Note the lack of in-channel habitat and floodplain connectivity to relieve flood energy.Glen Haven
Project Accomplishments
project length: 16,456 linear feet
90 participating property owners
8,692 cubic yards of sediment removed

2 high flood hazard stream crossings replaced
5,243 willow and cottonwood live stakes
14,466 container plants
9.3 acres seeded