A P P E N D I X I S T O N E C H E C K D A M 0 1 / 0 2 / 0 7 I.S-8.

1
STONE CHECK DAM

GENERAL
A stone check dam is a barrier constructed of
stone that reduces the flow velocity of runoff,
while minimizing channel erosion and promoting
sediment deposition. Stormwater enters a swale
or vegetated ditch and, under normal
circumstances, is ponded temporarily behind the
check dam in the sediment control basin.
Ponding allows sediment and other pollutants to
settle out, while allowing some water to infiltrate
and evaporate. The water that remains is slowly
passed through the check dam continuing on
towards the outfall. In high flow situations,
runoff is conveyed over the top of the stone.
Check dams are best used in conjunction with
other BMPs such as erosion blankets or mats
(refer to Erosion Matting, pg. I.E-1).

Stone check dams may be permanent or
temporary and can be used in swales or vegetated
ditches with a maximum drainage area of 10
acres. Check dams are often used on sites with














slopes that are steeper than desired. Depending
upon the slope of the channel and the individual
site, multiple check dams may be needed to
control runoff velocity.










Typical Stone Check Dam

ADVANTAGES
Low cost
Relatively easy to construct
Reduces erosion and promotes sediment
deposition

DISADVANTAGES

Requires periodic sediment removal
Temporary check dams may be difficult
to remove
Effective only in channels that drain 10
acres or less
Ineffective with large storm events

FRONT VIEW
Geotextile Filter
Fabric, Type R
A A
Sediment Storage
B
SECTION VIEW
3-6 inch Clear Stone Natural Ground
Flow
2 Min.
Width
1 Min.
5 Max.
Geotextile Filter
Fabric, Type R
2:1 Max. Slope
1-Foot Thickness of
#2 Clear Stone
2:1 Max. Slope
Sediment Storage

D A N E C O U N T Y E R O S I O N C O N T R O L A N D S T O R M W A T E R M A N A G E M E N T M A N U A L


I.S-8.2 A P P E N D I X I S T O N E C H E C K D A M 0 1 / 0 2 / 0 7
DESIGN
Check dams should consist of, at a
minimum, a 1-foot layer of 1-inch washed
stone over a 1-foot layer of 3 to 6-inch clear
stone, free of fines and sand, underlain with
a geotextile fabric. The size of the structure
will depend upon the site, but should be 1-5
feet in height; have a minimum width of 2
feet; and should extend across the entire
conveyance structure. In addition, the
slopes should have a maximum ratio of 2:1,
as greater slopes may become unstable and
require excessive maintenance. The center
of the check dam should be, at a minimum,
6 inches lower than the edges to allow water
to flow over the top of the structure.
SEDIMENT STORAGE BASIN
The sediment control basin, which allows
sediment and other suspended particles to
settle out before passing through the check
dam, should be constructed at the upstream
foot of the check dam and extend across the
entire conveyance structure. Sediment
control basins should be sized according to
the individual site characteristics, but must
be at least 2-feet deep and 6 feet long to
provide adequate storage capacity, with
slopes not exceeding a 2:1 ratio.
SPACING
To discourage concentrated flow, water
velocity in the channel can be reduced by
using multiple check dams. The distance
between check dams will depend upon the
slope of the conveyance structure, but
should be spaced so that the base of the
upstream check dam is even with the peak of
the downstream structure. As the slope of
the conveyance structure is increased, the
number of check dams that will be needed to
prevent concentrated flow in the channel
increases as well. As a result, check dams
used in conveyance structures with slopes
greater than 6% may not be practical.



Source: Metropolitan Council
CONSTRUCTION
Check dams should be underlain by a geotextile
filter fabric
Check dams should be constructed immediately
after grading is completed on the conveyance
structure
Caution should be taken to ensure that objects
down stream of the check dam are not damaged
from dislodged stones
MAINTENANCE
Check dams should be inspected for damage
after each storm event - all damage should be
repaired immediately
Sediment that accumulates behind the check
dam should be removed as necessary
Additional stone may need to be added to
ensure that the check dam retains its design
characteristics
METHOD TO DETERMINE PRACTICE
EFFICIENCY
The efficiency for this practice is derived from the
reduction in slope length that it provides. To
calculate the efficiency, simply use the new, reduced
slope length in place of the pre-existing one in the
USLE and recalculate. The difference between the
two completed equations is the efficiency for the
practice.
Ditch Grade (%) Spacing (feet)

1 200
2 100
4 50
6 33

Grades above 6% are not recommended

8 25
10 20

D A N E C O U N T Y E R O S I O N C O N T R O L A N D S T O R M W A T E R M A N A G E M E N T M A N U A L



A P P E N D I X I S T O N E C H E C K D A M 0 1 / 0 2 / 0 7 I.S-8.3

An Example of Proper Placement of Check Dams
Source: Adapted from Metropolitan Council





SOURCES

1. Ditch Check. Conservation Practice Standard. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. November
2006.
2. Minnesota Urban Small Sites BMP Manual. Metropolitan Council. Minneapolis. 2000.
3. Storm Water Management for Industrial Activities: Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management
Practices. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. 1992.
4. Water Related Best Management Practices in the Landscape. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service and Center for Sustainable Design at Mississippi State University.
Washington, D.C. 1999.




































Length
100
Ditch grade = 2%
Note: the elevation of the bottom of the upslope check
dam is the same as the top of the downslope dam
D A N E C O U N T Y E R O S I O N C O N T R O L A N D S T O R M W A T E R M A N A G E M E N T M A N U A L


I.S-8.4 A P P E N D I X I S T O N E C H E C K D A M 0 1 / 0 2 / 0 7