2.5 CFS Modular Design

Sixmile Creek

Sixmile Creek

Sixmile Creek is a high gradient stream with seasonally high levels or organic debris. A primary reason the project partners chose a Farmers Screen was due to the low level of maintenance required.

About

Trout Unlimited, the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, River Design Group, and FCA teamed up on this project to provide in-stream passage and install a fish screen on this previously unscreened diversion.

Prior to the fish screen installation, Forest Service Biologists from the Ninemile Ranger District and students from Frenchtown High School salvaged and relocated 544 fish from the irrigation ditch. Since the 2007 install, more than 2,300 fish have been salvaged from this ditch. Installation of this fish screen and passage structure will prevent the entrainment of fish and allow for unimpeded passage up and down Sixmile Creek.

A modular Farmers Screen system was used to screen the 2.5 CFS of irrigation water. The new screen system consists of:

  • New headgate
  • New pipe from headgate to the screen system
  • Two-section modular Farmers Screen system
  • Piped fish return utilizing a new flume design
Off loading the screen sections using a small rubber track excavator
First modular section in place and prepping for the second
Second modular section in place and bolted to the first section
With the fish return flume in place, digging starts for the placement of the conveyance pipe to the creek.
Fish return pipe spilling water back to the creek
Looking up stream at the finished modular screen
Looking down stream at the finished modular screen
  • Type: 2.5 CFS Modular Design
  • Location: Frenchtown, MT
  • Basin: Clark Fork
  • Partners: TU, USFS, USFWS, and River Design Group
  • Installation Date: October 2011
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