Susan Behery

Hydraulic Engineer

Durango, CO

October 19, 2024

Over the course of two days, we were provided insight on the inner workings of a hydrological engineer’s mind. Susan Behery works for the Bureau of Reclamation in the San Juan River Basin. She is responsible for operating the Navajo Dam, working on the Animas-La Plata Project, and supporting the development of other reclamation objectives. Susan has been working with The Bureau of Reclamation for since 2012, with over 15 years of experience in hydrological engineering. With her guidance, we were also able to learn from her colleagues Danielle Urich, Kelsey Deckert, and Brett Griffin.

The Navajo Dam was finished in 1962 with the goal of flood and sediment control, recreation, and to provide water to the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP). Due to a lack of federal funding and a shortage of infrastructure within the Navajo Reservation to financially support this project, 62 years later the goal of NIIP has not been achieved. The reservation has still been unable to receive adequate water supply, leaving many homes without running water. Susan expresses hope that the completion of the project is in sight, and the water held by the dam will be diverted to the Navajo Reservation, fulfilling the settlement agreement. Highly accomplished in her field, Susan was an excellent resource to help us wrap our head around some of the many complexities of her work.

by Kiana Potter