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.

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