Sierra Pinta Outfall Channel
City of Scottsdale, AZ
The purpose of the Sierra Pinta Outfall Channel, located in North Scottsdale, is to provide an outlet for a floodwater channel that collects runoff from the DC Ranch community. The design included ¼-mile of dual 84-inch storm drain plus a 600 foot-long channel. The design flow is 1300 cfs. The outfall channel was designed within an existing Grayhawk development drainage easement located between Pima Road and the Tesoro community. The high velocities of the channel and the narrow easement restrictions created engineering and aesthetic challenges which were met with a collaborative and innovative approach to both drainage engineering and landscape aesthetics. A new pathway was designed integrally with the channel with a meandering alignment that provides a more natural appearing setting.