Rubey Pond Dam Reconstruction | Roaring Fork Eng.

Water resources

Rubey Pond Dam Reconstruction

Roaring Fork Engineering provided construction observation, inspection, and field-adjusted foundation design for the full reconstruction of a jurisdictional dam. Having engineers on site let us respond to changing foundation conditions and meet Regional Dam Safety Engineer requirements.

This project involved the full reconstruction of a jurisdictional dam within a five-lot subdivision, working for the developer. Roaring Fork Engineering has contributed to all five lots over time, and drainage and irrigation features across the lots became interconnected. The pond sits at the most downstream point of the subdivision’s irrigation system. The project began when the owner proposed adding a swimming and fire pit feature to the pond, which brought the dam’s condition under review and led to the decision to rebuild it. We designed the pond feature and provided construction support for the dam itself. This dam is larger than the Sage Hill dam.

Challenges & highlights

The dam sits close to the Roaring Fork River, and the foundation conditions reflected that. The ground changed quickly between bedrock, alluvial cobble, and pockets of sand, and none of this was accounted for in the original design. Our team made numerous field changes to the foundation design during construction so the dam would meet the requirements of the Regional Dam Safety Engineer.
On-site observation and inspection were central to our role. Construction of a jurisdictional dam requires close oversight, and having engineers in the field allowed the team to respond to conditions as they were uncovered.

The results

The Ruby Pond dam was rebuilt successfully and meets all Regional Dam Safety Engineer requirements, thanks to close coordination among the developer, contractor, regulator, and our on-site engineers. When foundation conditions differed from the original design, our team worked through field changes in real time so the project stayed on track and in compliance. The new dam is safe and properly engineered, and it supports the owner’s plans for a swimming and fire pit feature in the pond.

Location: Red Mountain, Aspen, CO

Dam was rebuilt after the owner’s proposed swimming and fire pit feature brought its condition under review
Foundation conditions shifted quickly between bedrock, alluvial cobble, and sand pockets that were not accounted for in the original design
Numerous field changes to the foundation design were made during construction
Close coordination among the developer, contractor, regulator, and our on-site engineers kept the project on schedule and in compliance
Rebuilt dam meets all Regional Dam Safety Engineer requirements and supports the planned pond feature

Infrastructure that lasts

Whether you’re planning a new development, upgrading public infrastructure, or improving community systems, our team is ready to help bring your project from concept to completion.