Checkdam

What – Mini-dams built with straw, logs, or rocks; size depends on channel gradient.

Purpose – Temporary erosion control measure designed to trap and store sediment mobilized from hillslope.  Also intended to reduce downcutting and attenuate peak flows.

Effectiveness – All types of checkdams appear to work better when implemented in gentle gradients, high in the watershed, and placed in a series.  Problems with checkdams include complete structure failure from large storms.  In-channel treatments without adjacent hillslope treatments are ineffective.

Where

• Swales with gentle gradient that allow for sediment storage.
• High-burn severity areas with highly erodible soils.
• Areas with less than 20-percent ground cover.
• Areas with high values at risk.
• Watersheds with small drainage areas, generally less than 5 acres.

Cost – $150–600 each.  Additional factors include:

• Treatment location
• Construction material used (log, straw, or rock) and availability

How to Links - See USDA BAER Catalog page 84 (PDF page 92); and NRCS Rock Check Dam Fact Sheet.