Colorado Dam

Location

Deschutes River, Bend, OR

Duration

2010-2016

Services

Creative Planning
Channel Restoration
Recreation Enhancement
Diversions
Hydraulic Analysis
Permitting

Awards

Project Cutsheet

Download file

Project Website

Bend Paddle Trail Alliance
Bend Parks And Recreation District
Facebook

Overview

The Bend Parks and Recreation District pursued a whitewater park to replace the hazardous 9-ft Colorado Dam on the Deschutes River. Following initial feasibility analysis, BPRD soon recognized that the project was not only a whitewater park, but a river project with sensitive aquatic species, dam stabilization issues and fish and boat passage concerns. RiverRestoration was retained in 2010 to develop realistic and practical solutions to these issues. Our philosophy of looking at river system function, combined with our rigorous and analytical design of whitewater features was the recipe for success on the Deschutes River. RiverRestoration quickly identified improvements to the concept for benefits to whitewater, passage and habitat. RiverRestoration provided the river engineering required for the success of the Colorado Dam Paddle Trails Improvements including 3D CFD design of unique features for river surfing and kayaking. The recreational experience was negotiated and communicated with stakeholders throughout the design process. The project construction was completed in February 2016 and has become a key recreational asset for the community for all types of river users.

The project consists of 2 channels separated by natural boulder islands. The passage channel accommodates all river users to navigate downstream and fish to pass upstream. The whitewater channel features a series of pneumatically adjustable whitewater features to be enjoyed by kayakers, surfers, and stand up paddleboarders to hone their skills. The habitat channel provides vital riverine habitat especially for the Oregon Spotted Frog.