Weir Gulch: Planning for a Safer, More Resilient Future
Weir Gulch is more than just a drainage corridor, it's critical to Denver's future. The City and County of Denver, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and Mile High Flood District (MHFD) are seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reduce flood risks, strengthen resilience, and create a greener, more connected community along Weir Gulch. Today, solutions are being explored in several segments along the corridor to create safer, stronger, and more vibrant neighborhoods.
Weir Gulch flows from Lakewood to the South Platte River through the neighborhoods of Barnum West, Barnum, Villa Park, Valverde, and Sun Valley. Segments 1, 2, 3 and 4, as shown in the map, face significant flood risk and infrastructure challenges. In coordination with the Sun Valley redevelopment effort, the City and County of Denver and MHFD have developed a plan to mitigate the flood risk that occurs along Segment 1 which is anticipated to be under construction before the end of the year. The City and County of Denver and MHFD will now begin working with the community to develop concept design options for Segments 2, 3 and 4. These options will explore ways to reduce flooding risks and enhance public spaces.
Flood Risks are Increasing, but Denver is Taking Action
In 2024, MHFD completed the Weir Gulch Flood Hazard Area Delineation Study (FHAD) that shows increased flood risk for homes and businesses located along Weir Gulch. We met with the community in the fall of 2024 to raise awareness of these findings, share flood risk information, and inform individuals of what they can do to protect themselves and their properties. For more information on the FHAD study, visit the MHFD website.
Exploring Solutions Through Design
Today, we are examining potential improvements for Weir Gulch to address flood risk and provide community benefits along the Gulch. This Concept Design process will take place throughout 2025.
Throughout Concept Design, the City and MHFD will work with the community to explore potential solutions. Your voice in this process is critical to understanding community values, identifying community needs, and helping the Design Team identify solutions that provide distinct benefits to the neighborhoods.
Project Schedule
The schedule below shows the design and community engagement processes related to each phase of work. The project team will update this website, visit local organizations and registered neighborhood organization (RNOs), and host small group meetings and larger public meetings to gather community feedback throughout this process.
Upcoming Construction
Construction on Segment 1 is set to begin in late 2025, marking a significant step toward enhancing flood protection and community benefits along the gulch. Segment 1 spans from Federal Boulevard to the South Platte River where Weir Gulch outfalls. This stretch plays a key role in managing stormwater as it flows into the river and is critical to protecting the Sun Valley community from flood risk.
Learn more about Segment 1 construction and design on the project webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a segment? How are segments defined?
A segment is a specific portion of a stream or waterway, typically defined based on natural features, infrastructure, or project needs. Segments are also known as Reaches and can also be defined based on hydrology and drainage patterns, including changes in water flow, tributary connections, and stormwater inputs. Infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, and roads also play a role, along with land use differences in adjacent neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces.
How does the 2019 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) feasibility study relate to this project?
The USACE feasibility study identified potential flood mitigation strategies and allowed Denver to secure federal funding for the WATR Program and Weir Gulch. Public meetings were held from 2015 to 2018 as part of this study.
Learn more at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District Website.
What is the Flood Hazard Area Delineation (FHAD) Study, and why was is updated?
The FHAD study updated flood risk locations along Weir Gulch in 2024 to reflect current conditions. The City and County of Denver and the Mile High Flood District are responsible for maintaining accurate floodplain data to inform property owners, guide development, and support infrastructure planning.
Learn more about the FHAD on Mile High Flood District's Weir Gulch Flood Hazard Area Delineation webpage.
Were homeowners notified about the FHAD and flood risk changes?
Yes. Property owners in the Weir Gulch FHAD boundaries were notified via mailed postcards and public engagement events. The Denver Floodplain Management Group also provides flood hazard information online at www.denvergov.org/flood and responds to individual inquiries.
Will homeowners be required to purchase flood insurance?
If a property is mapped into the floodplain, mortgage lenders may require flood insurance. Typical homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flooding. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is available to everyone, whether they own or rent.
More information can be found at www.floodsmart.gov.
How might changes to flood zones affect property values?
Property values change over time for many reasons and the effect of changes in flood risk information on property values cannot be predicted. The City does not offer compensation for changes resulting from updated flood risk information. However, reducing your flood risk can help lower flood insurance costs. Homeowners may wish to consult their insurance providers and financial advisors to better understand potential impacts.
Will there be construction impacts in my neighborhood?
No construction is currently planned outside Weir Gulch segment 1 (between Federal Boulevard and the South Platte River). If construction occurs in other areas in the future, the City will work to notify residents and minimize disruption. Residents will receive advance notice regarding construction schedules, detours, and mitigation measures.