Results
First barrier successfully intercepted a major debris flow within one hour of completion, immediately validating the solution.
Continuous protection of Gallinas Canyon’s water infrastructure achieved through multiple debris flow events.
Robust systems built, emptied, and rebuilt as needed to ensure ongoing resilience during the critical post-fire period.
Project demonstrated effective collaboration between contractors, agencies, and engineering teams under emergency conditions.
Immediate and lasting risk mitigation provided for critical community infrastructure during a period of extreme vulnerability.
Project
Solution
Installed multiple debris flow barriers with lateral anchor systems.
Deployed specialised drilling equipment adapted for steep, fire-damaged terrain.
Implemented agile in-field design engineering to adjust barrier layout and specifications as site conditions changed.
Delivered custom-built rapid-response construction methods, including building, emptying, and rebuilding protective barriers.
Integrated debris management measures into the protection system to ensure continued performance during successive events.
Project
Challenges
Extreme time pressure due to imminent monsoon season.
Construction directly over a live waterway while maintaining continuous protection.
Technically complex installations in unstable, fire-damaged terrain.
Need for flexible design solutions able to withstand multiple major debris flow events.
High-stakes requirement: safeguarding vital water infrastructure for the local community.
Project
Overview
In the aftermath of New Mexico’s most catastrophic forest fires, Geovert was engaged under FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers to deliver urgent protection works in Gallinas Canyon. The project aimed to safeguard critical infrastructure and the town’s water supply from post-fire debris flows, with systems required to be operational before the arrival of monsoon rains.
The scope demanded rapid mobilisation, live waterway construction, and innovative design-build solutions tailored to unstable fire-damaged terrain.