Colorado-Big Thompson Project

The Colorado-Big Thompson Project includes eleven reservoirs, eighteen dams, and six power plants connected through an extensive network of tunnels and pipelines.

Construction began in 1938 under President Roosevelt's authorization to address water scarcity issues faced by northeastern Colorado farmers in the late 1890s.

The project transformed agriculture across Northern Colorado by enabling year-round farming operations and supporting the growth of multiple communities along the Front Range.

This water system serves 33 cities, provides irrigation for 640,000 acres of farmland, and generates 759 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

The Alva B. Adams Tunnel stretches 13.2 miles beneath the Continental Divide, moving water from Lake Granby through Rocky Mountain National Park.

Location: Colorado

GPS coordinates: 40.15520,-105.85600

Latest update: March 4, 2025 06:08