Haystack Channel Project

Project Information

The Haystack Channel Capital Upgrade Project is aimed at addressing critical erosion and public safety issues. Initiated by the City after nearby residents raised concerns about severe erosion near residential areas, the project aims to protect surrounding homes, sidewalks, roads, and utility infrastructure from flood-related damage.

Why the Upgrades are Necessary

Erosion along the Haystack Channel has worsened over time, posing risks to private property, public walkways, and even underground utility systems. Without intervention, nearby homes and community spaces face potential damage from heavy rainfall, which could further weaken the channel. In July 2024, a major rain event underscored this need, causing damage significant enough to require emergency repairs.

Project Development Process

The City began planning by creating a Capital Improvement Project and engaging engineering and environmental consultants to explore solutions. Here’s the timeline of key actions:

• May 7 & June 4, 2024: The project was presented to the Planning Commission.
• June 26, 2024: A community meeting was held to gather feedback and present four initial options, ultimately narrowing down to two feasible plans.
• July 14, 2024: Heavy rainfall prompted emergency repairs, costing approximately $200,000.
• November 7, 2024: A community meeting was held at the Palm Desert City Hall Council Chamber. Our Capital Project team, our engineering consultant, and our environmental consultant provided an in-depth presentation about the project, covering the scope of improvements and how they will enhance our community’s infrastructure. Residents had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, ask questions, and gain insight into the project’s timeline and benefits. If you missed the meeting, you can view the presentation at the link below:
  • November 7 Community Meeting Presentation

Proposed Improvement Options

At this stage, two main approaches remain under consideration for long-term improvement:

1. Natural Slope Reinforcement

• Method: Sand and natural materials are used to stabilize the channel slopes.
• Pros: Lower initial costs.
• Cons: Requires ongoing maintenance and poses a higher risk of erosion during a 100-year storm event.
• Impact on Vegetation: Less initial impact but more disruption over time due to frequent maintenance needs.

2. Boulder & Soil Slope Stabilization with Maintenance Access

• Method: Reinforced boulder and soil slopes provide a more durable structure, coupled with an access road for easier maintenance.
• Pros: Offers enhanced protection in extreme storms, with predictable outcomes and minimal long-term erosion risk.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost but lower annual maintenance costs.
• Impact on Vegetation: Greater initial impact during construction but lower long-term disruption.

Additional Green Belt Improvements

For the green belt area (Highway 74 to Heliotrope), the City plans to install an underground infiltration system with perforated pipes to prevent erosion and standing water, which can attract mosquitos. Grass will be restored after installation, maintaining the green belt's appearance while addressing drainage issues. This section of the channel, Highway 74 to Heliotrope will remain grass.

What’s Next?

The City will continue to seek community feedback and evaluate these two options to determine the best balance between cost, long-term maintenance, and environmental impact. Through this process, we are committed to safeguarding public safety, preserving the community’s natural landscape, and ensuring that infrastructure remains resilient against future weather events.

The Haystack Channel After Recent Emergency Repairs Due to the July 2024 Storm.

Please see the images below of the channel as of September 2024. This is after recent restoration work due to erosion from the July 2024 storm. Information about the repair process can be found below.

Recent Storm Damage Repair - August/September 2024

Following a severe storm on July 14, 2024, the City responded promptly to address damage along the Haystack Channel between Heliotrope Drive and Portola Avenue. The storm caused significant soil erosion near the Heliotrope culvert and created a soil build-up at the Portola overpass, posing potential flood risks to nearby properties.

Starting the week of August 5, Public Works crews conducted essential repairs, moving soil from the Portola area to the eroded Heliotrope culvert to stabilize it and protect the crossing for vehicles and pedestrians. During these repairs, the City took extra care to preserve existing smoke trees and palo verde plants as much as possible.

Project Timeline - Schedule Modified on 9-12-2024 to Include Two Additional Weeks

Week One (8-05-24 to 8-09-24)
The project will begin with the mobilization of equipment, followed by the demolition and removal of eroded or damaged sod in the designated work area. All removed material will be exported to a dump facility. The construction team will then furnish and install the entrance/track-out system and pre-water the site. Access ramps will be built, rough grading will be performed, and the culvert outlet area will be reshaped. Additionally, fill material will be generated and stockpiled for future use.

Week Two (8-19-24 to 8-23-24)
The second week will focus on rough grading, stockpiling fill material, and rebuilding eroded slopes in the wash area. Imported boulders and rocks will be managed, stockpiled, and placed as part of the slope restoration effort.

Week Three (8-26-24 to 8-30-24)
During the third week, the construction team will continue importing and placing boulders and rocks. Rough grading, backfilling, and compacting fill material over the boulder/rock section will be completed. The team will also continue rebuilding eroded slopes in the wash.

Week Four (9-02-24 to 9-06-24)
In week four, finish grading will be completed to shape the culvert outlet area. Sod will be furnished and installed, and the construction entrance/track-out system will be removed. Final clean-up of the western work area (Haystack/Heliotrope) will take place, with pre-watering and rough grading continuing in preparation for rebuilding the eroded slopes.

Week Five (9-09-24 to 9-13-24)
Prewatering will continue, and rough grading and stockpiling of fill material will focus on the Portola culvert area. Eroded slopes in the wash will be rebuilt on the east end of the site, and the Portola culverts will be jetted with a water truck. The week will conclude with the final clean-up of the site and the removal of equipment.

Week Six & Seven (9-16-24 to 9-27-24)
Weeks six and seven will focus on cleaning the culverts on Portola Avenue and sod the area next to Heliotrope. Once the project is complete, it will take a day to remove the construction ramp track-out system and equipment.

Please note: This timeline is subject to change due to weather conditions or potential delays in construction materials.

Planning Commission Documents About this Project:

May 7th - Planning Commission Meeting

Documents presented at the May 7th Planning Commission Meeting are located in the right-hand panel under "Documents."

June 4th - Planning Commission Meeting

Documents presented at the June 4th Planning Commission Meeting are located in the right-hand panel under "Documents."