Western Expanses Western Expanses

Part 4

Based on an interview with Uncompahgre Valley Water Users General Manager, Steve Pope, we learn all about the distribution system that distributes Gunnison Tunnel water across 84,000 acres, and how the system is operated today, including key aspects of the projects water rights.

⁠Show notes/scripts/references⁠

Part 3

In this episode we go deep on how the tunnel was actually constructed, the incredible engineering, and tenacious work of the builders. We cover the grand opening of the tunnel, and uncover the cause of the tunnel's deadliest accident that killed 9 tunnel workers, AFTER the grand opening.



⁠Show notes/scripts/references⁠

Part 2

In this episode we cover the initial lobbying and approval of the tunnel, it's initial failed starts, the beginning of construction, and one of the tunnels deadliest accidents.



⁠Show notes/scripts/references⁠

Part 1

The first in a 4 part audio series on the Gunnison Tunnel.

One of the US Bureau of Reclamations "First Five" reclamation projects, the Gunnison Tunnel is a 5.8 mile long tunnel that brings water from the bottom of the Black Canyon to the Uncompahgre Valley, and enables life and an economy for the 50,000 residents of the valley.

In this episode we explore the daring early survey work, and the conception for the tunnel (who even had the idea for this thing?).



Show notes/scripts/references