Jasper Lake
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.The Jasper Lake project was designed with community and partner input in 2016 and was constructed from March to June 2017.
Fun Fact
Jasper Lake was ranked as one of the highest priority areas for river improvements in the Big Thompson River Restoration Master Plan which was completed after the 2013 floods. You can view this project in person at the County owned Narrows Park near the Cherry Store!
Project Photos
Before
The Jasper Lake project used large wood from tree trunks to stabilize banks at risk of erosion .
Jasper Lake
Project Accomplishments
project length: 2,600 linear feet
10 landowners participated
33 in-stream structures installed
430 linear feet of bioengineered banks
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