“Seepage controlled” chants the city. Let me tell you about the Quail Ridge Dam. It’s more than just a barrier holding back water. It’s a testament to engineering ingenuity and problem-solving.
Quail Ridge Dam is a high-hazard dam. It is located in the Broadmoor area of Colorado Springs. The dam impounds water in Quail Lake. The surrounding Quail Lake Park offers amenities. You can hike, fish, and paddle here.
Once upon a time, increased seepage threatened the dam’s integrity. A storage restriction was issued for Quail Lake. The city tasked RESPEC with designing a seepage collection system. It was placed on the downstream toe of the dam near the outlet.
The collection system included a weighted filter buttress. A slotted collection pipe was surrounded by drainage rock. A sand drainage blanket covered the seepage area. The system tied into the existing toe drainpipe. This conveyed seepage through a new concrete headwall. It sat adjacent to the existing outlet structure.
Upgrades were also implemented on the upstream dam embankment. New riprap was placed. A new trail connected with the existing hiking trail. The new trail section brings the public closer to the water. Previously, the trail was only on the dam crest near the road.
RESPEC collaborated with the Dam Safety Branch throughout the project. Construction finished in February 2018. The Dam Safety Branch lifted the storage restriction in March 2018. The project’s budget was $270000.
So next time you visit Quail Lake, remember the story of its dam. It highlights the commitment to safety and recreational enjoyment. The Quail Ridge Dam stands strong. It provides water and leisure for the community.