The Association has had a busy summer so far.  The spring runoff came late and in a large, single swoosh.  This caused flooding along both the Provo and Weber Rivers.  The Association was able to divert and store a sufficient volume of water to easily fill Deer Creek Reservoir, which wasn’t a given prior to runoff season.  

The water deliveries in the Provo Reservoir Canal (PRC) were quite heavy at the first of the irrigation season, but have reduced down to a small amount compared to normal deliveries.  Even at these lower levels, the PRC requires the same diligence while operating and maintaining it.  Construction along SR-92 has required some extra work and coordination to make everything operate smoothly. 

There has been a requirement for additional coordination with neighboring jurisdictions because of the various construction projects near Provo River Project facilities.  Such projects as the expansion of 4800 West, the construction of the Murdock Connector roadway in Highland, SR-92 reconstruction and the work on I-15 have all impacted Association activities.  The Association’s own large project – the Provo Reservoir Canal Enclosure Project – will soon be underway in the fall.  Residents and commuters in north Utah County will be able to follow the progress on the Association’s website and be apprised of any construction impacts to roadways and neighborhoods.

Duchesne Tunnel System

The Duchesne Tunnel is in a state of readiness to carry the high spring runoff flows.  The water control gates, the water flow rate sensors and other equipment are inspected to ensure they will function properly.  Some if this inspection and preparation work can actually be done remotely over the SCADA system.  Some of the other work requires Association employees to use snowmobiles or a snow cat to travel to the tunnel inlet and outlet, as well as to the Broadhead Diversion.

Weber-Provo System

The Weber-Provo Canal has been delivering water from the Weber River to the Provo River  throughout the winter under an ice cap that runs the full length of the canal.  As spring comes, the ice cap begins to break up.  This activity is monitored by Association staff to ensure that the ice does not form an ice jam and damage equipment.  Additionally, a special weir for measuring the lower winter flows at the Francis Gage is removed in anticipation of the high spring runoff flows.

 Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir

With the winter annual maintenance completed, the Deer Creek Reservoir spillway gates and operating equipment are checked one final time before the runoff begins in earnest.  The reservoir is nearly full this year, so there is a likelihood that the gates will need to be operated and that a controlled spill of the reservoir will take place.

Deer Creek Power Plant

Annual winter maintenance has been performed on the Deer Creek Power Plant, and  the generator controls and tube valves must be given one final check before runoff season.  The tailrace level control gates are inspected and tested as required.  This past winter, some modifications to the emergency power system for the power plant were completed.

Provo Reservoir Canal

The PRC requires a lot of preparatory work before the irrigation season begins in April.  The canal is inspected, trash is removed, and the concrete-lined sections of the canal are cleaned and any cracks are repaired.  The weeds are burnt off of the canal banks,the bottom of the canal is graded with a bulldozer and debris that may remain in the siphons is removed.  Equipment maintained in the shop during the winter is also re-installed during this time.

Jordan Narrows Facilities

The Jordan Narrows turbine-pump is reassembled and tested to ensure all parts are ready to operate.  The machinery  and buildings are cleaned and painted as required.  The siphon and penstock pipelines are inspected to ensure they are ready for the irrigation season.

Duchesne Tunnel System

The Duchesne Tunnel continues to flow during the winter, so the Association has to continually inspect the entire system.  Association staff inspects the radial gates at the Duchesne Diversion and ensures that the forebay and tunnel remain free of obstructions such as heavy ice and debris.  They also inspect the Broadhead Diversion pipes and machinery to maintain its continued flow.  Preventative maintenance is also completed, such as lubrication of machinery, painting, and replacing wear parts such as radial gate cables and seals.

Weber-Provo System

The Weber-Provo Canal continues to flow during the winter, so Association staff walks the entire canal and inspects it for leaks and obstructions.  In the Weber-Provo Diversion, Association staff has to clean out spring runoff debris from the forebay in order to ensure that ice will not build up and obstruct important mechanisms.

Deer Creek Dam & Reservoir

Due to the significant value and important function of the Deer Creek Dam, the Association’s operators inspect and maintain the dam daily.  They perform preventative maintenance on tube valves and penstocks, and ensure that the radial gates are working properly.

Deer Creek Power Plant

In order to prepare for winter at the power plant, each of the two turbine generators is taken out of service one at a time, cleaned, painted, and preventative maintenance is performed.  Approximately every 15 years a major service and overhaul on the turbine generators is performed.

Provo Reservoir Canal

In order to prepare for winter, Association staff turns the canal off and drains it, then inspects the entire canal for leaks and debris.  Each of the four siphons is drained as much as possible, and the remaining water is pumped out.  Damaged equipment is taken to the shop to be repaired.  Screens are placed in front of each siphon to prevent debris from blowing in during the winter months.  The siphons are inspected for leaks and cracks and repaired as necessary.

Jordan Narrows

To prepare for winter, Association staff inspects the siphon and penstock at the Jordan Narrows and checks for any cracks or leaks.  The turbine pump and valves also receive preventative maintenance and inspection.