Project Description

The 2013 Flood caused the Big Thompson River to change alignment due to channel widening and sediment deposition from the high flows. The purpose of the Jasper Lake project was to protect vulnerable infrastructure located within the river corridor from future flood damage while repairing and enhancing aquatic and riparian habitat. The Jasper Lake project provides improved capacity to the channel and attempts to reduce the river’s erosive energy during high water events. During the late summer and early fall when flows are typically low, the low-flow channel was constructed to provide refuge for fish and aquatic organisms. Revegetation work in this reach included seeding, mulching, and planting native, locally-adapted riparian plants.  Native riparian vegetation provides critical habitat, shade, streambank stability, and water quality improvements.