Canal Irrigation

Crop Insurance Question for Those Affected by Canal/Tunnel Collapse

August 9, 2019

As repairs continue on the collapsed tunnel in the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal, unanswered questions remain about whether crop insurance will cover crop losses. Until that's determined, farmers in the affected area need to manage their crop as if water will return to the canal.

A Letter to Readers from Nebraska Extension

August 9, 2019

Nebraska Extension has been working hard to respond to the needs of Nebraskans after historic flooding and devastation this year. As we continue working, we're asking for your feedback by August 30 to help us assess and improve our efforts.

Site of the tunnel collapse in the Goshen-Gering-Ft-Laramie Canal

August 12 Canal Repair Update Meeting

August 7, 2019

The Gering-Ft Laramie Irrigation District will host a public meeting Monday, August 12, in Scottsbluff to update farmers and landowners on the repair of the July 17 tunnel collapse and canal breach. Photos take viewers to the site and inside the tunnel.

Bill Todd updates Market Journal views on the irrigation canal collapse in western Nebraska.

Market Journal: Water Woes in Western Nebraska

August 2, 2019

On this week's Market Journal, producer Bill Dodd covers the devastating damage to a major irrigation canal in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. Other topics include the grain markets, market facilitation payments, and the forecast.

Figure 1. An aerial view of the sink holes created by the July 17 tunnel collapse on the Gering-Fort Laramie/Goshen Irrigation District canal. The larger sink hole is approximately 100 feet across and 50 feet deep. (Photo by Justin Burkart, Goshen Emergency Management Association)

Update on Efforts to Restore Water to North Platte River Valley Canal

July 26, 2019

The Gering/Ft. Laramie Irrigation District and the Goshen Irrigation District (Wyoming) held stakeholder meetings this week to discuss the status of canal damage and repairs and how to restore irrigation water to 100,000+ acres. Initial canal repairs have started, with tunnel repairs expected to start soon.

Irrigation canal washout from tunnel collapse — Figure 1. Area where the North Platte River Canal breached July 17, flooding nearby fields. Water flow to the canal was stopped and won't be continued until repairs can be made, possibly cutting short the crop season. (Photo courtesy of Chabella Guzman of KNEB Radio)

Wednesday A.M. Meeting to Focus on Prospects for Collapsed Irrigation Tunnel

July 23, 2019

The Gering-Fort Laramie Irrigation District will host a public meeting Wednesday, July 24, in Scottsbluff to share information about the disruption of water deliveries caused by a tunnel collapse along the irrigation district’s main canal on July 17. It will be at 10 a.m. at the university's Panhandle Center.

Area of the North Platte River canal where the break occurred July 17. — Figure 1. Area where the North Platte River Canal breached July 17, flooding nearby fields. Water flow to the canal was stopped and won't be continued until repairs can be made, possibly cutting short the crop season. (Photo courtesy of Chabella Guzman of KNEB Radio)

Growers in North Platte Valley Face Critical Water Loss with Canal Damage

July 18, 2019

Surface-water irrigators in the North Platte River Valley south of the river in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming have lost their water supply due to a washout in the main supply canal early Wednesday morning (July 17). The Bureau of Reclamation is assessing the damage.