The Diamond D Ranch is situated in Idaho’s spectacular Frank Church Wilderness. The all-inclusive guest ranch utilizes water from Loon Creek to generate power for the ranch. Originally buried beneath the creek, the steel penstock has become exposed and creates a barrier to fish passage at low stream flows. 

The Ranch manually digs a low flow channel beneath the penstock each year, but that is not a sustainable long-term solution. Working with the Ranch and the Custer Soil and Water Conservation District, River Structures is evaluating options for either raising or lowering the penstock to provide unimpeded fish passage while continuing to supply reliable power to the Ranch.  

Existing Powerhouse and Penstock

Existing Penstock Crossing Loon Creek