Public Service Company of Colorado Submits Plans to Repair Cascade Flume Failure

The Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) has submitted plans to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to repair the Cascade Flume, which failed in June 2025, posing a significant risk to public safety and environmental sustainability. The company has been working with its engineering consultants, contractor, and the Forest Service to develop a plan that includes the construction of a temporary repair to meet downstream water needs and mitigate potential environmental and economic impacts. The temporary repair plans have been shared with the State Historic Preservation Office and the DHAC.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cascade Flume failure occurred in June 2025, as reported on June 3, 2025, by PSCo.
• PSCo has developed plans to restore the hillside where the flume failure occurred, which include the construction of a temporary repair.
• The temporary repair plans aim to facilitate water conveyance to meet downstream water needs, lessen potential environmental and economic impacts.
• PSCo has reached out to the State Historic Preservation Office and the DHAC regarding the temporary repairs.
• The company acknowledges that the work is on a tight schedule and is asking for an expedited review to address the public safety concern related to the scour hole.
• Downstream stakeholders have submitted letters in support of the proposed work.

Statistics:

• The Cascade Flume failure occurred in June 2025.
• PSCo has submitted plans to FERC to repair the Cascade Flume.
• The temporary repair plans have been shared with the State Historic Preservation Office and the DHAC.
• The company has requested an expedited review due to the tight schedule and public safety concerns.
• Downstream stakeholders have submitted letters in support of the proposed work.

Sources:

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission San Francisco Regional Office E-Filed August 7, 2025 FERC Project No. 12589 RE: Cascade Flume Failure, Filing of Plans to Construct Repairs Tacoma Project
• Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) - Dean S. Steines, PE, Chief Dam Safety Engineer.