The Reserve Model Study for Drop Structure Scour

Indian Wells, CA

PACE and many more set out to create a first-class golf course/residential development nestled up against the Washington Mountains and located directly within a large alluvial fan. Therefore, the development had significant flood control challenges. PACE prepared a physical hydraulic model to test an innovative flood control system presented by PACE that would reduce the Lowe Corporation’s capital investment by $2 million+ and added premiums to lots surrounding the naturalized solution.  A physical model was designed to investigate the erosion patterns associated with design alternatives for the proposed grade control structures. The model utilized a scale of 1:16 and evaluated the performance of one grade control structure located in a portion of the channel between other grade control structures. An 18-inch wide flume with a total length of 70-feet represented a portion of the channel width, ignoring the side effects. The model demonstrated which of the proposed designs produced the least scour at the drop structures. The positive results of the modeling program allowed the flood control system to receive Coachella Valley Water District approval. The resulting flood control system included a 6-acre signature entry lake with a 260-foot bridge spanning it, a plunge pool sediment basin capable of handling flows up to 35,000 cfs.