To bring water to 2,000 acres of irrigated hay meadows in northwest Colorado, this diversion was built in 1896, directing water through a headgate into the 18-mile Maybell Ditch. A $7-million rehabilitation effort modernized the headgate and included replacing the existing headgate structure with a concrete intake structure, installing cofferdams to divert the river during restoration, updating and stabilizing drop structures, placing riprap and conducting earthwork.

Safety programs and strategies included preplanned and real-time site-specific hazard analysis, comprehensive acclimation programs with staged ascent plans for gradual altitude adjustment and thorough predeployment health checks to confirm the fitness of workers for high-altitude conditions.

Systems with real-time atmospheric sensors continuously monitored oxygen levels, the temperature and weather conditions.

Satellite phones, waterproof radios, GPS tracking and emergency beacons ensured reliable communication and swift response in emergencies. PPE included smart life jackets with auto-deployment, anti-slip footwear and buoyant, thermally insulated protective clothing. Drone monitoring provided real-time video feeds.