Dec. 15, 2021

December Construction Update

Construction on the Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project began in August 2021 after a nearly 17-year planning and permitting process. Spurred by population growth, this project will not only help Northern Colorado meet its future water demands, but it will also protect wildlife and the environment, help maintain local food production, and preserve the region’s quality of life.

As the main component of the Windy Gap Firming Project, Chimney Hollow Reservoir is a collaboration between nine municipalities, two water districts, a power provider and Northern Water’s Municipal Subdistrict. When complete the reservoir will store 90,000 acre-feet of water, provide an annual firm yield of 30,000 acre-feet, and meet a portion of the 12 participants’ future water needs.

The WGFP’s federal permitting process began in 2003. On Aug. 6, 2021, the Municipal Subdistrict hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate with project participants, supporters, partners and state representatives. On Aug. 16 the Municipal Subdistrict issued the main contractor, Barnard Construction, a Notice to Proceed with construction. 

Since the start of construction a few months ago, progress continues on Chimney Hollow Reservoir’s main, saddle and coffer dams. The common excavation of the main dam foundation preparation work is 40 percent complete and the rock excavation work is 30 percent complete. At this point approximately 1 million yards of earth has been moved. In addition, Barnard has 150 employees on site working on this project. 

Weekly construction images are posted weekly to the Chimney Hollow Reservoir website showing project progress. Crews are also blasting several times a week at the main dam site and the quarry. A blasting schedule is available on this website.