Goldsmith Gulch Major Drainageway Plan & Flood Hazard Area Delineation

Matrix completed the Goldsmith Gulch Major Drainageway Plan and Flood Hazard Area Delineation Reports under contract with the Mile High Flood District on behalf of the project sponsors: the City and County of Denver, the City of Greenwood Village, and Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA). The project provided watershed delineation, updated hydrologic modeling, detailed new hydraulic modeling, a potential flood damage assessment, and recommendations for reducing flood hazards and improving the overall health of the drainageway as a valued neighborhood asset and amenity.

Matrix analyzed the hydrology and hydraulics for the system to identify mitigation strategies that would minimize risk to structures and infrastructure. Recommended strategies included modifications to existing detention facilities, as well as channel stabilization and conveyance improvements. CIP program sponsors can now appropriately plan for these mitigation projects.

The channel has been stabilized and regional parks constructed in the floodplain. Proposed improvements include reducing flood hazard to existing buildings, enlarging detention, creating open channels to replace underground culverts, improving flood conveyance, stabilizing the channel, and enhancing regional water quality.