The Colorado State University Hydraulics Lab is located at the Engineering Research Center, which is located just East of Horsetooth Reservoir. The Engineering Research Center and Hydraulics Lab were built in 1962. Since then the lab  has seen the construction and analysis of numerous models such as dams, spillways, energy dissipators, river models, analysis of resistance to flow, sediment transport, riprap, filter design, river morphology, local scour, bridge hydraulics, environmental hydraulics, surface runoff, sheet erosion, infiltration and contaminant transport, mudflow and debris flow, dam break, reservoir sedimentation, and many other projects. 

Original Hydraulics Laboratory located on the CSU Main Campus

Aerial photograph of the Hydraulics lab at its current location

Construction of the main laboratory

Pumps prior to installation

Construction of the main laboratory sump

Inlet in Horsetooth Reservoir that supplies water to the laboratory

Water supply pipeline under construction

Pumps being installed in the main laboratory

Repairs to the Hydraulics Laboratory water source inlet in Horsetooth Reservoir

Construction workers preparing for Horsetooth Reservoir Inlet construction

Pouring of foundation for critical infrastructure

Building foundation for the original Daryl B. Simons Building