A heavy-lift helicopter set into place the last of six segments to repair the South Yuba Pipe below Spaulding Reservoir. Photo courtesy

YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On Aug. 6, a heavy-lift helicopter set into place the last of six segments to repair the South Yuba Pipe below Spaulding Reservoir. A Type-1 helicopter able to lift more than 17,000 pounds had been reserved for Pacific Gas and Electric Company in July but was diverted for firefighting. The South Yuba Pipe was damaged during a winter rockslide. Snow prevented crews from closely assessing and beginning hazard rock and debris removal until mid-spring, followed by scaffolding and pouring of concrete footings. 

 South Yuba Pipe below Spaulding Reservoir in place. Photo courtesy

Now that the new pipe is in place, crews will weld and install collars, with repairs scheduled to be completed in mid-September.