The High Park Fire significantly altered the landscape and ground conditions in lower Rist Canyon, causing a dramatic increase in soil and debris flowing down creeks in even minor rain events.
To help prevent flooding and erosion on Rist Canyon Road (County Road 52E), Larimer County Engineering Department is replacing seven culverts where the road crosses Rist Creek. The new concrete culverts are 12 to 13 feet wide and 4 to 5 feet tall — significantly larger than the existing culverts — to handle the increased runoff.
Construction will begin Nov. 15 at the lowest crossing, at the mouth of the canyon, and continue through spring. One lane traffic will be allowed during construction.
The county is paying $1.68 million for the project from general fund reserves earmarked specifically for the High Park Fire.
More information and specific construction dates are available at the High Park Fire recovery website at larimer.org/highparkfire or by calling Assistant County Engineer Rusty McDaniel at 970-498-5730.