Canal Irrigation

Center pivot
Figure 1. Center pivot irrigation on dry beans in the North Platte Valley. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Pathfinder Canal Break Update

July 14, 2022
Since July 7, PID indicated that sufficient repairs had been made to the breach to start bringing in water to the canal.

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Digging crane in field

Pathfinder Canal Break on July 1, 2022

July 5, 2022
Though it hasn't been determined what caused the Pathfinder (Interstate) canal break last Friday, PID hopes to have it repaired within two weeks. The break affected about 102,000 acres of cropland in Nebraska and Wyoming.

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Canal without water
Figure 1. Tunnel No. 1 when there is no water in the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal.

Update on the 2019 Tunnel Collapse and Canal Washout — Tunnel Repair or Replacement Options

February 14, 2022
The Gering-Fort Laramie Irrigation District is seeking public opinion on whether to repair or replace Tunnels No. 1 and 2.

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Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie canal collage
Tunnel No. 1 on the Goshen-Gering-Fort Laramie main canal, inside and out, in 2021: (Left) The “ribs” for support and the metal sheeting installed to improve water flow and decrease water turbulence. (Right top) Water flowing into Tunnel No. 1 during the 2021 irrigation season. (Right bottom) Tunnel No. 1 in the fall, when there is no water in the canal.

Update on the 2019 Tunnel Collapse and Canal Washout and 2021 Irrigation Season

October 19, 2021
Water flow through the tunnels were returned to 97% of capacity this summer, resulting in near normal water deliveries by the three major irrigation districts in the North Platte Valley during the 2021 growing season.

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Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie supply canal Tunnel No. 1
Image 1. Irrigation water flows through Tunnel No. 1 on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie supply canal in 2021.

Update on 2019 Tunnel Collapse and Canal Washout, Irrigation Water Outlook for 2021

July 13, 2021
Water deliveries by the four major irrigation districts (Pathfinder, Gering-Fort Laramie, Goshen and Farmers) are expected to be near normal. The districts hope to deliver water to growers through the first week in September.

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Goshen Irrigation District Tunnel No. 2

Update on 2019 Tunnel Collapse and Canal Washout – Water Flowing for 2020 Growing Season

June 18, 2020
Temporary repairs to the tunnels have been made resulting in restoring flow, but at reduced levels. The Gering/ Ft. Laramie Irrigation District is planning for their irrigators to receive only 75 percent of their normal allotment.

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Update on Irrigation Tunnel Repairs Affecting Growers in Nebraska and Wyoming

December 17, 2019
Following a visit from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s top official, twp irrigation districts in the North Platte Valley have selected repair and upgrade options for three tunnels along the main supply canal.

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Irrigation District staff lay down a fabric mat to reduce erosion of excavated soil.

Permanent Repairs Set for Tunnels on Wyoming-Nebraska Irrigation Canal

November 20, 2019
Irrigation Districts serving eastern Wyoming-western Nebraska growers are moving forward with plans to repair tunnels along the 129-mile irrigation canal.

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