Geotechnical engineering and construction specialty contractor Nicholson Construction recently started work on the Chimney Hollow Reservoir in Loveland, Colorado.

The new reservoir is part of a collaborative effort by 12 Northeastern Colorado water providers to improve the reliability of the Windy Gap Project, which is located near the Town of Granby on Colorado’s West Slope. The Windy Gap Project consists of a diversion dam on the Colorado River, a 445-acre-foot reservoir, a pumping plant and a six-mile pipeline to Lake Granby.

The Chimney Hollow Reservoir will improve the reliability of the Windy Gap project by providing 90,000 acre-feet of dedicated storage capacity that will supply a reliable 30,000 acre-feet of water each year for future generations.

General Contractor Barnard Construction Company awarded Nicholson the contract for a 3,650-foot-long grout curtain, installed at depths between 50 and 325 feet, for the construction of the new asphalt core dam.

Nicholson’s contract includes rock drilling, water pressure testing and grouting.
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“This project is going to have an important impact on the surrounding communities for generations to come,” said Ron Hall, Vice President of Operations for Nicholson. “We’re happy to bring our team and our expertise to this project.”

Nicholson’s work on the project will be completed in summer of 2023.

**Photo courtesy of Northern Water