Design and Construction of Aurora Dam and Reservoir

The recently completed Aurora Dam and Reservoir will store 31,000 acre-feet of raw water, expanding the City of Aurora's water storage capacity by 30 percent and helping the City meet expected growth in water needs over the next 20 to 30 years. The reservoir is located in the high plains approximately 10 miles southeast of the City center. Water from the Rocky Mountains is delivered to this off-channel reservoir through an existing system of diversions, tunnels, pipes and pump stations. The reservoir will be filled during the winter when there is excess capacity in the existing system. Water will be used during the summer to meet peak daily and seasonal demands and for emergencies. The original conceptual studies for the reservoir were made in 1978 and 1979. Beginning in 1985, preliminary design studies, final design, permitting, state review and approval, and construction of the project were completed in 4½ years. Filling began in December 1989 and continued through March 1990 when the capacity of the delivery system was needed to meet normal demands. Presently, the reservoir is approximately half full by volume and 80 percent full by hydraulic height. Initial filling will be completed during winter 1990/1991. The paper describes the geotechnical design and construction of the project, and the continuing role of the geotechnical design staff through construction. 8 pp.