For any highway department, managing water flow in roadside ditches is a key part of keeping roads in good shape and protecting nearby land. One simple but powerful tool for the job? The check dam.
Check dams are small structures, temporary or permanent, built across a ditch to slow water down, reduce erosion, and trap sediment. They’re a great way to help keep ditches from washing out or dumping silt where it doesn’t belong.
Depending on what you’re dealing with, there are a few different types of check dams to choose from. Here’s a quick rundown:
What they are: Built from riprap or other sturdy stone.
Good for:
High-flow ditches
Steep slopes
Places where you need long-lasting durability
Pros:
Built to last
Handles fast-moving water well
Can take multiple big storm events
Things to keep in mind:
Higher up-front cost
Must be sized and placed correctly to avoid upstream flooding
Log or Timber Check DamsWhat they are: Made from logs, timber planks, or treated lumber.
Good for:
Rural or forested areas
Low-to-moderate flow ditches
Temporary construction projects
Pros:
Materials often easy to find locally
Affordable for short-term use
Things to keep in mind:
Not ideal for high-flow or permanent use unless engineered carefully
Wood can rot over time
Straw Bale Check DamsWhat they are: Straw bales staked across the ditch.
Good for:
Small construction sites
Low-flow ditches
Short-term use
Pros:
Cheap and simple to install
Great for sediment control on short projects
Things to keep in mind:
Breaks down fast—needs replacing often
Won’t hold up in high-flow or long-term situations
Silt Fence Check DamsWhat they are: Silt fence fabric stretched across the ditch.
Good for:
Very low-flow ditches
Construction sites
Controlling sediment during development
Pros:
Quick and easy to put in
Works well for trapping sediment
Things to keep in mind:
Can’t handle large volumes of water
Can fail if flow gets too high
Fiber Roll (Wattle) Check DamsWhat they are: Tubes filled with straw, coir, or synthetic material and staked in place.
Good for:
Low to moderate flow ditches
Stabilizing new slopes or ditch lines
Ditches where you’re planning to establish vegetation
Pros:
Flexible and easy to install
Biodegradable options available
Helps promote plant growth for long-term stability
Things to keep in mind:
Not suited for steep or high-flow channels
Needs regular inspection and upkeep
Choosing the best check dam depends on a few things:
Sometimes, using more than one type makes sense. For example, fiber rolls or silt fences can work great during construction, while you install rock check dams for long-term control.
Bottom line: slowing water down is key to keeping your ditches (and roads) in good shape. Check dams are a simple tool that can make a big difference.
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