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Horsethief Reservoir now under construction

Construction Firm:  Max Jantz Excavating, Montezuma, KS

Construction Engineering Firm:  URS Corporation, Overland Park & Denver, CO

Construction of a cement-bentonite slurry wall is a crucial component of the HorseThief dam. Anchored into bedrock, the wall prevents seepage both through and under the dam.

The overburden of soil is removed with a long-armed track loader.

Soil is excavated to bedrock, 25' to 35' deep.

Once bedrock is reached, an additional one foot of rock is removed to insure a tight seal. Bedrock is hauled to on-site storage.

Slurry is continually added during excavation to prevent collapse of the trench.

The slurry is mixed at an on-site batch plant.

As the slurry hardens, it is covered with soil to allow a uniform 'cure.' A minimum of two weeks is needed before placement of embankment can begin.

In the coming weeks, construction will begin on the concrete inlet tower, as well as installing the 60' steel pipe (principal spillway) through the dam.