The bottom of Bluff Lake is being excavated and deepened to create a more hospitable nature habitat and lower permeability.

Reconstruction of the Bluff Lake Dam is well underway-—its first major update in 132 years—with improvements that will help maintain the water level and prevent leakage.

A bulldozer smoothes out the top of the new slurry wall that will reinforce the 132-year-old Bluff Lake dam.

Part of the excavated Bluff Lake is used as a drainage area and water source for the new dam slurry wall.

The lake bottom is being dredged and deepened to create a better aquatic habitat, less permeability and to diminish algae. A pump is used to keep the area dry to facilitate the dredging process. Compact natural material will provide a solid bottom. A slurry wall made of bentonite and clay will extend four feet into the bedrock and around the perimeter to reinforce the dam.

A slide pump can pull water from the dam when necessary and pump water in when needed. Bluff Lake’s storm water procedures have been noted as best practices since the 1950’s. An agreement with the City of Denver will allow gray water to be introduced into the lake.

Water storage bladders are used to retain water that has been removed from the lake.

The improvements will ensure that the dam will remain for generations and will continue to attract wildlife and various bird species. The improved shoreline will feature new native vegetation and plants.

Pumps are used to drain Bluff Lake. The pumps can remove water or return it to the lake as needed.

Bluff Lake has two miles of trails, including the main trail that loops around the lake. Thousands of visitors come to Bluff Lake each year, including nearly 5,000 elementary school students who learn to better connect with and appreciate nature. For more information about Bluff Lake Nature Center, visit www.blufflake.org.