Owner: Sidney Water Users Irrigation District Engineer: NRCS Contractor: SWUID equipment and labor

Ackley Lake Location

Lake Frances East Dam History

  • Earth embankment dam constructed 1908-1910
  • Primary purposes: Irrigation, municipal water for City of Conrad, recreation, fishing
  • Dam Height: 57 feet
  • Dam Storage: 105,000 acre-feet (approx.)
  • Dam Classification: High Hazard

Project History

Since inception, repairs and replacements have been conducted within the system. In 1969, with assistance from the USDA Soil Conservation Service, improvements to intakes, expansion of canal systems and floodwater structures were completed over a five year period. Minimal large scale improvements were completed again until 2002, when the SWUID received a DNRC RRGL Grant, for Phase 1, which improved water delivery for Districts 1 and 2. The NRCS also assisted in development of alternatives and design. From 2006 to 2009 improvements were conducted, primarily with SWUID equipment. A second RRGL Grant was obtained to assist with Phase 2 improvements. In 2009, the SWUID determined to continue improvements to the system and Phase 3 was implemented, which largely had to do with inefficient earth lined canals and seepage issues.

This project upgraded many antiquated and inefficient delivery systems while improving in-stream flows in the Yellowstone River.

Work Breakdown

Phase I

  • Earth berm on downstream face removed to allow installation of filter sand around conduit
  • Internal chimney drain constructed of filter sand was installed over entire embankment length

 

Phase II

  • Removal of outlet conduit upstream of cutoff wall and removal of free standing lake tower
  • New control tower on upstream face of cutoff wall
  • New conduit from new tower to upstream toe of dam
  • More extensive grouting program along length of cutoff wall
Photo of construction of grouted rock dam

 

Project Funding

The total cost of the project was $3,430,000. To finance the project, PCCRC used the following loan programs and completed most of the construction with their own crews and heavy equipment.

  • Private loan: $3,425,000
    • Used water rights as collateral
  • PCCRC-In Kind Work
  • Private Grant: $5,000
CarterFunding

Project Status & Results

  • Phase I construction was completed in fall 2006
  • Phase II construction was completed in 2008
  • Dewatering was a challenge for Phase II work and required the use of pump consultant (unforeseen)    

Project Partners

 Owner: PCCRC

 Engineer: DOWL

 Contractor: Construction largely completed by PCCRC employees. Construction of the control tower was completed by a contractor.

 Construction Inspection: DOWL