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Channel Deflector

channel deflector post fire

 

What – Engineered structures such as j-hooks, rock barbs, and single- or double-wing deflectors.

Purpose – Designed to direct increased streamflows and velocities away from unstable banks or structures of value such as a road parallel to the channel.

Effectiveness – There is no documented effectiveness monitoring data for this treatment.  Channel deflectors are likely to work better when implemented in gentle gradients, high in the watershed, and placed in a series.  Problems include complete structure failure from large storms.  In-channel treatments without adjacent hillslope treatments are ineffective.

Where

  • Locations where roads are parallel to stream channels.
  • Locations where facilities are at risk from streambank erosion or flooding.

Cost – Treatment costs are variable depending on the structure installed.  Costs factors listed below:

  • Structure type installed
  • Availability of material (rock, jersey barriers, riprap, logs)
  • Site location and access

How to Links – See USDA BAER Catalog page 99 (PDF page 107); and Flow Control Structures.