Bellvue Hydraulic Irrigation Laboratory
This aerial photograph shows the Bellvue Laboratory in the 1920s. The US Department of Agriculture developed the site as a field laboratory for research on irrigation technology. Here former Colorado Agricultural College (now Colorado State University) professor Ralph Parshall carried out a series of experiments and eventually perfected a water-measuring device that would be used around the world.
The flume that bears his name (see inset) revolutionized irrigation practices by providing a simple, inexpensive, and efficient method to precisely measure the flow of water.
Erected by Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.
Location. 40° 37.798′ N, 105° 10.08′ W. Marker is in Bellvue, Colorado, in Larimer County. Marker is on Rist Canyon Road, 1½ miles west of US 287 B (U.S. 287 B), on the right when traveling west. The site and the interpretive sign are just east of the bridge
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Flowers Store and Post Office (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Flowers House (approx. Ό mile away); The Cache la Poudre River (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dedicated to the Memory of Antoine Janis (approx. 0.8 miles away); Bingham Hill Historic Cemetery (approx. 1½ miles away); In 1862 This Log House was Used as a Station House (approx. 1.6 miles away); This log house was built by French trader Sam Deon in 1858 (approx. 1.6 miles away); Poudre Valley Bank/Salvation Army (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellvue.
More about this marker. The site of the experimental lab is on private property, viewable only from the road.
Regarding Bellvue Hydraulic Irrigation Laboratory. Ralph Parshall (1881-1959), "Father of the Flume") is one of the most celebrated internationally-known alumni and faculty members in the history of Colorado State University. He is best known for developing the Parshall Flume in 1921.
Noticing problems with stream flow measurements, Parshall developed the device that, when placed in a channel, measures the flow of water as it uniquely relates to water depth. The Parshall Flume is still widely used to help gain more accurate measurements of water flow.
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Additional keywords. Irrigation, Agriculture, Water Use, Climate, Geography
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2021, by Michael O'Neill of Livermore, Colorado. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 30, 2021, by Michael O'Neill of Livermore, Colorado. 6. submitted on July 2, 2021. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
