Check dams

Check dams are small dams or weirs constructed across a drainage ditch, swale, or channel to lower the speed of concentrated flows for a certain design range of storm events and to promote infiltration.

• Check dams usually consist of crushed rock gabions, or pre-treated timber up to 0.6 m in height.
• Rocks used in check dams should have median diameter 25-75 mm.
• The spacing of dams should not exceed the horizontal distance from the toe of the upstream dam to the same elevation on the downstream dam. See: Sizing
• Where check dams are used, the maximum design depth of ponded water must be 0.5 m.

Structures constructed of a non-erosive material, such as suitably sized aggregate, wood, gabions, riprap, or concrete; used to slow runoff water. Can be employed in practices such as bioswales and enhanced grass swales.

A long narrow trench or furrow dug in the ground, as for irrigation, drainage, or a boundary line.

A shallow constructed channel, often grass-lined, which is used as an alternative to curb and channel, or as a pretreatment to other measures. Swales are generally characterized by a broad top width to depth ratio and gentle grades.

The slow movement of water into or through a soil or drainage system.

Penetration of water through the ground surface.

Structures constructed of a non-erosive material, such as suitably sized aggregate, wood, gabions, riprap, or concrete; used to slow runoff water. Can be employed in practices such as bioswales and enhanced grass swales.