How does urban development change streams?
Increased development means that more water is draining from roofs and roads by curbs, gutters, and pipes. This can lead to increased flooding and erosion.ÌýÌý
Different than most streams in Denver which flow year-round, this stream flows intermittently. Development in the watershed is changing this.ÌýÌý
In Parker (through a partnership with Town of Parker, Mile High Flood District, Muller Engineers, and Wright Water Engineers), there is the chance to try something different to better protect the stream and prevent flooding and erosion during development.ÌýÌý
How will the stream look after development?Ìý How will this affect flash flooding?Ìý
We have been monitoring since 2020 to find out.ÌýWe are using streamflow monitoring equipment in the watershed: 5 cameras at different locations, and a device called a flume at the outlet to capture and measure streamflow (intersection of French Creek Ave. and Great Plain Way).
On May 11, 2023, we recorded the first streamflow event of the year, and it had a duration of over 14 hours! In 2025, streamflow was measured on 39 days.
Our monitoring efforts in West Stroh Gulch provideÌývaluable data to document the hydrologic transition happening as a result of low-impact residential development.
Do you want more information?Ìý
RamÃrez-Núñez, J. S., Poteet, D. L., Bhaskar, A. S., Wilson, S., Morrison, R. R., Zivkovich, B., Johnson, S., Kampf, S. K., Grigg, N., Nelson, P. A. (2025), Non-perennial streamflow and sediment mobilization in a semi-arid rangeland slated for development. PLOS Water, 4(11), e0000466. Available at:Ìý
Wilson, S.*, A.S. Bhaskar, B.E. Choat*, S. Kampf, K.G. Hopkins, T. Green, A. Earles (2021), Urbanization of Grasslands in the Denver Area Affects Streamflow Responses to Rainfall Events, Colorado Water Volume 38, Issue 2. Available at: Ìý
Wilson, Stacy. MS Thesis (2021), Civil and Environmental Engineering. Hydrologic Responses to Urbanization in Denver Watersheds and Investigation of Precipitation Thresholds for Streamflow Generation in Pre-Development Semi-Arid Rangeland. Ìý
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Or contact us!ÌýÌý
