DRAINAGE DESIGN CASE STUDY:

Rock Face Wall Drainage | Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado

The iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, recently underwent a drainage improvement project aimed at protecting the landscaped pathways and rock-faced retaining walls leading to the venue’s beer garden. Water runoff had been undermining the paths, leading to erosion risks and destabilization concerns .

To address these issues, Diamond Plumbing, Inc. installed JET Filter’s maintainable weep hole assemblies and added diverters to effectively redirect water flow away from vulnerable rock structures.

Rock Face Wall Drainage | Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado - JF3SSCVLV

The Challenge at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre Drainage Project

Due to natural rock formations and sloped landscapes:

  • Rainwater runoff frequently traveled beneath the pathways

  • Erosion risks threatened the stability of the walkways and landscaped areas

  • Hydrostatic pressure accumulated behind rock-faced walls

The goal was to implement a simple, durable, and maintainable solution that would mitigate erosion, direct water properly, and protect the venue’s infrastructure without disrupting its historic appearance.

Brick Retaining Wall Drainage Solution

The solution involved a two-part system:

1. Installation of Maintainable Weep Hole Assemblies

  • Part#: JF3SSCVLV (3” diameter Closed-End ASTM 316/316L Stainless Steel Housing)

  • Geotextile Filter: Mirafi® Filter-Weave FW 300

  • Installed to relieve hydrostatic pressure behind the brick and rock retaining walls

✅ 2. Addition of Custom Diverters

  • Diverters were added to the face of the rock wall to help redirect surface runoff away from critical erosion zones.

  • Designed to preserve the natural landscape while improving drainage management

Why Rock Face Wall Drainage Is Critical for Natural Landscapes

Venues like Red Rocks experience:

  • Heavy seasonal rainfall runoff

  • Erosion threats to walking paths and surrounding landscaping

  • Risk of hydrostatic buildup behind decorative and structural walls

JET Filter’s maintainable weep hole system, combined with tailored diverters, provides a non-invasive, easy-to-maintain, and effective drainage solution—protecting both the natural beauty and structural stability of the site.

At a Glance

Project Location: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Project Type: Rock Face Retaining Wall Drainage & Erosion Control
Drainage Components: 1 JET Filter JF3SSCVLV Weep Holes
Structure Type: Brick and Natural Rock
Owner: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Contractor: Diamond Plumbing, Inc.
Completion Date: February 2023
Market Segment: Landscaping / Amphitheatre Infrastructure

 

Installed (1) JET Filter JF3SSCVLV Weep Hole Units

View Retaining Wall Trifold

Retaining Wall Trifold