A team of workers successfully installed five AquaDams, each measuring 6 feet in height, 13 feet in width, and 100 feet in length, along the Bull River in East Kootenay, British Columbia, Canada. These AquaDams were strategically placed to facilitate upgrades to the Aberfeldie Powerhouse hydroelectric dam.

The stunning mountains that encircle the Bull River Valley are a sight to behold. With their majestic peaks and lush greenery, they create a breathtaking backdrop for the valley below. The rugged terrain and diverse wildlife make this area a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the beauty of the Bull River Valley and immerse yourself in the splendor of the surrounding mountains.

The prime contractor for this project was Western Versatile Construction Corp.

BC Hydro is the electric utility company that owns the Aberfedlie Powerhouse.

Prior to the initial launch of the AquaDam, workers needed to clear rocks and boulders from the designated path of the AquaDams.

Rock picking is important to help with the seal the AquaDam makes with the riverbed. Caution should be taken when removing large boulders along the riverbed as a hole can be generated with the removal.

For added support, larger rocks and boulders can be strategically placed along where the inner perimeter of the AquaDam will go.

The process of rock picking is essential for ensuring a proper seal for an AquaDam. This meticulous task requires time and attention to detail in order to achieve optimal results. By carefully selecting and placing rocks along the base of the AquaDam, we can enhance its stability and effectiveness in controlling water flow. This crucial step not only improves the performance of the AquaDam but also contributes to the overall success of the project.

The first single closed end (SCE) AquaDam has been set at it’s starting bank. To ensure proper installation and functionality of a SCE AquaDam, it is essential to have a starting bank that maintains a higher elevation than the body of the AquaDam. The open end and fill-tubes of the SCE AquaDam must remain elevated above the full height of the dam along its designated path. It is important to note that an AquaDam will only reach its maximum height at the lowest elevation point along its designated path.

Ropes have been anchored at shore, run under the AquaDam, over top of the roll, and back to workers who control the roll while the dam is being filled with water. The ropes are used to hold back the roll, while the unrolled length fills and gains head above the surrounding water.

Looking back at the starting bank, it is evident that the AquaDam has been successfully launched and is now in the process of filling with water.

After the unrolled length has a few inches of head above the surrounding water, workers release a few feet of rope unrolling a few feet of length, then hold the ropes tight again and repeat the process until the dam reaches its ending bank.

As the AquaDam is filled with water, the pressure from the water inside the fill-tubes pushes against the roll end, causing it to gradually unroll.

The Aberfeldie Powerhouse is currently undergoing decommissioning. The powerhouse was shut down in 2006 for necessary repairs.

The first 6ft tall SCE AquaDam has almost completely unrolled to it’s closed end. This AquaDam has a connection collar so that another SCE AquaDam can be added to it, extending the length of the cofferdam.

The flow of the Bull River has already been disrupted. Have you noticed the variation in water depth between upstream and downstream of the AquaDam?

Workers prepare the fill-tubes of the next 6ft tall SCE AquaDam for making a connection.

The fill-tubes will be pleated and scrunched down to about 6 inches in diameter, so that they can easily be pulled through holes in the connection collar.

With the fill-tubes prepared, workers proceeded to re-roll the AquaDam in preparation for its transportation to the closed end of the first AquaDam, where the connection collar is located.

The first 6ft tall SCE AquaDam is nearly filled to capacity, while the second one has been positioned at the connection collar.

The connection has been established, and the second 6ft tall SCE AquaDam is currently being filled with the river’s water.

The second 6ft tall SCE AquaDam has completely unrolled and is almost full of water.

The following morning, the landscape was blanketed in snow. The frigid and icy conditions have no impact on the effectiveness of an AquaDam.

To protect the AquaDam from potential damage, workers strategically positioned a sheet of plywood between the dam and a sizable boulder that was left in the riverbed.

Looking downstream at Aberfeldie Powerhouse.

Here is a closer look at the sheet of plywood that was placed between the boulder and AquaDam.

Here we can see the fill-tubes of the second 6ft tall SCE AquaDam have been tied up and secured to prevent them from drain any water out.

There were quite a few inches of snowfall overnight.

The third 6ft tall SCE AquaDam is currently being transported to the connection collar of the second dam.

AquaDams come shipped rolled-up like a carpet roll on a wooden beam, wrapped in a protective covering, and have lifting ropes/straps.

Now that the third 6ft tall SCE AquaDam in place, workers can make the connection and start to fill this dam.

The third 6ft tall SCE AquaDam is now almost full.

The fourth 6ft tall SCE AquaDam has been launched and is now full. Here we can see that the fill-tubes have been tied up and secured to prevent any water from draining out. Another sheet of plywood was used for a second unmovable boulder.

Looking upstream at the first three 6ft tall SCE AquaDams. Can you see the water depth difference from left to right?

The fifth 6ft tall SCE AquaDam has been placed by the connection collar of the fourth dam.

Workers prepare to install the last 6ft tall SCE AquaDam.

The morning following appears to have received another dusting of snow.

Workers have successfully installed the last 6ft tall SCE AquaDam, completing the cofferdam system in a horseshoe/”U” shape configuration around the work area.

Workers finish filling the last AquaDam.

Great work everyone!