As snow begins to melt in the mountain basins of the West, communities prepare for one of the most important water events of the year—spring runoff. This annual transition is not only critical for replenishing rivers and reservoirs but is also the primary source of water for irrigation across much of the Intermountain West. In fact, in Utah, approximately 95% of irrigation water originates from winter snowpack.

At Sunrise Engineering, we understand that spring runoff is more than just water flowing downstream—it’s a complex, seasonal process that shapes the way farmers, water districts, and municipalities manage their irrigation and potable water systems. Our teams work throughout the region to help clients optimize infrastructure, modernize outdated systems, and implement long-term solutions for sustainable water use.

The Role of Spring Runoff in Irrigation Planning

The amount, timing, and rate of snowmelt directly influence irrigation planning. Derek Johnson, PE, from our Ogden office, explained that Utah’s water managers depend heavily on mountain telemetry stations—SNOTEL sites—that measure snow water equivalent (SWE). SWE, combined with soil moisture conditions and reservoir levels, allows experts to forecast the year’s water availability.

In high runoff years, like the spring of 2023, water managers faced a balancing act between storing enough water for agricultural and municipal use and releasing water early enough to mitigate flood risks. In contrast, during drought years—like 2021 and 2022—low snowpack and depleted reservoirs forced irrigators to significantly reduce their water use, impacting both crop yields and revenues.

Irrigation systems must be designed to handle these extremes, and Sunrise Engineering plays a key role in helping clients assess, plan, and adapt their infrastructure accordingly.

Transitioning from Flood Irrigation to Piped Systems

Many communities across Utah and Wyoming are in the process of modernizing aging flood irrigation systems. Pressurized piped systems offer significant advantages, including reduced water loss from seepage and evaporation, improved delivery efficiency, and in some cases, energy savings when systems are gravity-fed or pressurized.

Jason Linford, PE, from our Star Valley office, noted that most of the irrigation projects in his region involve phased pipe replacement. “The original systems were installed in the early 1970s and are over 50 years old,” he said. “We help districts study their systems, prioritize replacement phases, and combine grant and loan funding to make the projects feasible.”

While piped systems are more efficient, they do come with trade-offs. Derek pointed out that seepage from traditional irrigation canals often contributes to local groundwater recharge. As irrigation systems are piped and lined, those groundwater benefits may be reduced—adding complexity to the modernization conversation.

Projects That Showcase Practical Solutions

Sunrise Engineering has worked on numerous irrigation infrastructure projects across the West. In Utah, Derek has led efforts to reroute or pipe irrigation systems around transportation projects such as UDOT’s US-89 expansion and the West Davis Corridor. The firm also recently provided engineering support on the Lost Creek Dam spillway, ensuring safe discharge of excess runoff during peak seasons.

In Wyoming, the Dry Creek and Cottonwood Irrigation Districts have been ongoing clients of Sunrise Engineering, with several phases of pipe replacement completed over the past decade. Sunrise also developed a comprehensive master plan for the West Afton and Nield String pipeline companies. That study laid out a roadmap for phased improvements and funding eligibility, helping both districts move toward modernization while balancing costs.

Unlocking Funding Opportunities

One of the biggest hurdles to modernizing irrigation systems is cost. Sunrise Engineering helps clients identify and secure funding from a wide variety of local, state, and federal programs. Jason outlined several key sources of support for Wyoming districts, including:

• Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC)
• Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Program
• USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
• NRCS PL-566 Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program
• USDA Rural Development’s REAP (Rural Energy for America Program)
• Utah Division of Water Resources

Each funding source has its own eligibility criteria, application timelines, and project priorities. Sunrise assists with planning studies, cost estimates, phasing strategies, and navigating the grant process. In many cases, combining grants and low-interest loans across multiple programs is the most effective way to get projects funded.

Irrigation, Conservation, and the Environment

Modern irrigation systems don’t just improve operations—they contribute to broader environmental goals. In Utah, canal lining and secondary water metering are now part of major water conservation initiatives, especially along the Wasatch Front. Derek emphasized that when people understand how much water they’re using, they tend to use it more wisely.

Environmental benefits of upgraded irrigation systems include more efficient application of water to crop root zones, reduced overall diversion from rivers and lakes, and less strain on sensitive watersheds like the Great Salt Lake Basin. In fact, even modest efficiency gains upstream can result in more water making its way to natural terminal basins.

Looking Ahead: Innovation in Irrigation Engineering

Irrigation technology is rapidly advancing, and Sunrise is helping clients keep pace. Trends include metering systems, automation for canal and aqueduct operations, and integration of digital controls that minimize spills and waste. As populations grow and climate conditions become more variable, efficient water use will only become more important.

Sunrise Engineering remains at the forefront of this evolution—bringing together decades of field experience, regulatory knowledge, and funding expertise to help communities prepare for a future where every drop counts.