Robles Diversion Physical Model

The United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services Group in Denver, Colorado is constructing a 1:24 scale physical model of the Robles Diversion facility to test proposed modification alternatives. These alternatives are being developed to increase sediment transport for improved facility operations during existing and future sediment-laden storm flows. USBR staff meet regularly with representatives of Ventura County Watershed Protection District, Casitas Municipal Water District, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (lead design consultant for the Robles-Meiners Oaks project), State Coastal Conservancy (grant funder), regulatory agencies, and other partners and stakeholders to collaborate on this process. The base model which replicates existing conditions has been constructed and is being tested under different flow scenarios. Once the model is determined to accurately reproduce a reasonable facsimile of current behavior under specified conditions, alternative design measures will be incorporated to test their functionality. Time lapse videos of the base model processing flows of 6,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) and 14,000 cfs are presented below, as is an overhead view showing the existing Robles Diversion facility for reference.