Magic Connectivity & Bypass Canal
River Gains:
-
Advanced river data for the WRV
Partners:
-
Bypass Canal Users Association
-
CEIF Committee
Cost:
$65,000
Join the cause. Be the effect.
PROJECT OVERVIEW​
In partnership with the Bypass Canal Users Association and Environmental Science Associates (ESA), Project Big Wood launched a comprehensive study to better understand water efficiency along the bypass system, from Glendale Bridge to Heart Rock Ranch.
Throughout the 2024 irrigation season, we deployed water-level loggers that continuously tracked depth and temperature at eight key points along the canal. These sensors allow us to measure how water moves through the system, where gains and losses occur, and how thermal conditions shift along the way.
By comparing upstream and downstream readings, we can now estimate net water gain and loss with precision. This data is critical for improving efficiency, optimizing flows, and shaping long-term strategies for the stewardship of the Big Wood River ecosystem.
These water level monitoring sensors on each logger measure the pressure of water above the sensor which we will convert to water depth as well as temperature of the water itself. We selected eight locations along the Big Wood River, where water is diverted through canals, thanks to these loggers will be able to quantify how much water will be diverted at each location from the Big Wood River.
PROJECT GOALS AND BENEFITS
Quantify water gains and losses:
-
Compare upstream and downstream readings to measure how much water is diverted from the Big Wood River
-
Identify where water is lost through seepage, evaporation, or leakage
-
Detect where water returns to the system through groundwater inflow or irrigation return flows
-
Quantify where water is gained, lost, or returned along the canal system
Support equitable and transparent water use:
-
Provide a shared baseline for canal users, irrigators, and regulatory agencies
-
Build trust and accountability by showing how water moves through the canal system to strengthen collaboration between water users, landowners, and conservation groups through open data
-
Highlight opportunities to balance human needs with river health
Inform infrastructure and restoration design:
-
Pinpoint reaches where seepage is excessive and infrastructure improvements may be warranted to reduce unnecessary losses and optimize flows
-
Guide earthwork or vegetation efforts to stabilize areas losing flow or sediment
-
Model how restoration actions or policy changes could improve water availability in the river and its tributaries
-
Supply data to guide infrastructure upgrades, policy discussions, and restoration planning
-
Establish a replicable model for assessing canal efficiency across the watershed
​
We recognize that understanding the Big Wood River requires expertise from many fields. In collaboration with Environmental Science Associates, the Bypass Canal Users Association, and the CEIF Committee, Project Big Wood is spearheading a comprehensive study of water movement and efficiency along the Bypass Canal.
​
PARTNERSHIPS
We recognize that understanding the Big Wood River requires expertise from many fields. In collaboration with Environmental Science Associates, the Bypass Canal Users Association, and the CEIF Committee, Project Big Wood is spearheading a comprehensive study of water movement and efficiency along the Bypass Canal.
​