The Highlands Ranch Metro District, in conjunction with Mile High Flood District and ICON Engineering, has designed improvements in Upper Dad Clark Gulch as part of the Metro District Stormwater Master Plan. The goals of this plan are to restore, stabilize, improve, and protect the drainage ways in our open space. 

Storm runoff and base flows from homes and development have caused significant bank erosion, resulting in 10–15-foot vertical banks. Severe channel degradation increases sediment load in downstream areas and impacts vegetation.

Proposed Improvements

• 

  Construct stable low flow channel using boulder drops and sections of riffles to manage watershed flows.
• Install series of riprap on the outside bends of the channel to reinforce the channel banks.
• Remove vertical banks and re-establish vegetation.

These techniques have been used successfully in other areas in Highlands Ranch and the Denver Metro area.

Please note: Trails will remain open during construction. Please stay out of work zones.

Project Schedule

Winter 2026:
Mobilization and prep work; channel work including grading and rock placement