Fluvial Hydraulics & Geomorphology

Restoration of the Blue River - Silverthorne, Colorado

The Blue River discharges from Dillon Reservoir near Silverthorne, Colorado. The hydrology and sediment loads of the river were altered by the construction of the dam. In response, the morphology of the system has changed. We worked with Ecological Resource Consultants Inc. to analyze the river and prepare restoration designs. The objectives of the project, restoration of aquatic habitat and establishment of the appropriate channel morphology, were achieved through fluvial geomorphologic analysis and design, detailed analysis of the fluvial hydraulics of the river, engineering design of vegetation requirements and root architecture, selection and establishment of new vegetation on point bars, floodplains and benches, and design of pools and riffles.

This project won the "Project of the Year Award in the Utility Drainage and Environmental - Small Communities Category by the Colorado Chapter of the American Public Works Association" and "Colorado Trout Unlimited Exemplary Project Award."

Engineering - Science - Sustainable Solutions