Montezuma valley irrigation company flume no. 6
(mcelmo flume)

1921
Cortez, Colorado
National + State Register Nomination

This flume, constructed in ca. 1921, replaced an 1896 flume. It is constructed using wood, with a concrete and steel substructure, and steel hardware. The McElmo Creek Flume is an excellent example of a “Creo-Wood” flume designed and manufactured by the Continental Pipe Manufacturing Company of Seattle, Washington. As it is no longer in operation and has not received maintenance, the flume does not have the capacity to convey water and no longer has any associated water rights.

The Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company Flume No. 6 is significant under Criterion C in the area of Engineering for 1921 and 1955 at the state level of significance. The McElmo Creek Flume was a part of a large irrigation system that aimed to deliver water to arid areas of the Valley. The irrigation system allowed agriculture and ranching to become a major economic component in the area. In 1921, the flume was upgraded from what was most likely a box flume to a semi-circular flume. In 1955, the original wood cradles were made more stable by the installation of a steel and concrete substructure. Not only does the McElmo Creek Flume serve as the only remaining wood flume from the Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company to represent irrigation practices throughout the West during the late nineteenth century, but it also represents many themes that are commonly present on the American frontier, such as: technological innovation, cooperation, and self-reliance. It is the only surviving flume from the Montezuma Valley irrigation system.