By Scout Nelson
Tunnel improvement work is moving forward along the North Platte River Basin as growers closely watch snowpack and drought conditions that could affect irrigation water in 2026.
During the annual Bean Day hosted by the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association, updates were shared about the Goshen Gering Ft Laramie tunnels. Construction crews are currently replacing the portals of Tunnel 2.
“This winter, they are replacing the portals of Tunnel 2, and that’s all to get ready to receive the digger shield in the fall of 2026,” said Scott Hort, Gering Ft. Laramie General Manager.
The digger shield is a large boring machine that will reshape the existing 14-foot horseshoe tunnel into an 18-foot round tunnel. The expansion improves safety standards that were not in place when the tunnels were first built in 1917. Construction begins at the bottom of the tunnel and moves upward.
“If by some chance you don’t get that tunnel completed in the off-season, and May 1 comes around, and we have to run water. It’s always easier to go from a smaller tunnel to a bigger one than vice versa,” Hort said. “Hopefully, they’ll get it completed in the off-season, and that won’t be an issue.”
While tunnel upgrades continue, concerns remain about available irrigation of water. The Bureau of Reclamation reports that snowfall has been limited this winter in the Upper North Platte Basin, which supplies most inflows. The region is currently experiencing severe drought conditions.
“Snowfall has been limited this winter in the Upper North Platte Basin, which typically supplies about 75% of our inflows. That region is currently experiencing severe drought conditions,” said George Finnegan, Bureau of Reclamation water scheduler. “The Lower North Platte is also very dry.”
Runoff from April through July is expected to reach about 430,000-acre feet, which is only 47 percent of the 30-year average. Officials anticipate reduced inflows and constrained water allocation for the upcoming season.
Reservoir release projections show moderate flows this spring, but Pathfinder Reservoir is not expected to spill. The North Platte Project will likely receive an allocation based on current forecasts.
Growers now wait for improved spring moisture as construction and water planning continue across the basin.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zhuda
Categories: Nebraska, General, Weather