The Building of a Dam Slides Part 1

This presentation is dedicated to the memory of Merle Collins.

Thorough His determination and effort the long time dream of Virginia Ranch Dam was finally realized.

Browns Valley Irrigation District honored His name by officially naming the Lake

MERLE COLLINS RESERVOIR“To forever be known as Collins Lake”

March 2010, Thank You Merle. Bob Bordsen, BVID Director Div 1

THE BUILDING OF A DAM

Construction of

Virginia Ranch Dam by

Browns Valley Irrigation Districtforming

Merle Collins Reservoir

After 40 plus years of trying various methods of securing funding Browns Valley Irrigation District (BVID) was able to secure a commitment from

United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) for the necessary financing through a USBR loan to build the

Virginia Ranch Dam (VRD).

VRD site as seen March 1958

Substantial design and planning was accomplished prior

to the vote to approve the contract for the USBR loan.

.

SPRING 1958East end of future VRD location viewed from across Dry Creek

May 1958Design

exploration

Confidence Prevailed Within the BVID

Directors, as well as landowners, felt that after 40 plus years of attempts this time we were going to build a Dam.

So confident that In March of 1959, even before the election to approve the USBR loan, a Ground Breaking Ceremony was held.

On September 13, 1960, by a vote of 238 to 8, BVID voters approved the District to enter into a contract with the United States Department of Interior for a no interest, 50 year, $5,000,000, loan for the construction of the VRD as well as rebuilding and extending the distribution system.

On Sept. 8, 1961 a contract was signed and in spring of 1962 work commenced toward a projected completion date of late Nov. 1962.

Contractor Shop Under Construction

Clearing the VRD site

East end embankment cleared

Excavating west end foundation keyway

Dry Creek area of Dam Site

Forming and rebar for outlet works

Building the outlet works

On May 3, 1962 there was a Northern California Laborers Union strike lasting to July 5, 1962. The 2 months delay prevented placing of the embankment prior to winter storms causing the projected completion date to be moved to Oct. 1, 1963.

Fall 1962Overview of construction site

A Columbus Day storm in October of 1962 brought record breaking rains to the area.

Gage stations at the VRD site recorded 11” of rain in one day.

The unexpected high water damaged completed work as well as loss of some of

the contractors equipment.

Site overview

after high

water

High water line can be seen here

Outlet works shortly after flood damage

Debris is from flood water being diverted uncontrolled through outlet works and into tunnel

Completed outlet works

Concrete flume from outlet works into tunnel

Outlet works valves