Best Management Practice WATER BAR
Best Management Practice
WATER DIVERSION WATER BAR A water bar is a simple water deflection structure that combines a trench and a berm to divert surface water from skid trails to the forest floor. As with other water diversion structures, water bars prevent erosion and sediment transport by reducing the volume and velocity of runoff.
Water bars are relatively easy to construct using a bulldozer. • Install at a 30 - 45 degree angle downslope • Must extend the entire width of road • The distance between water bars depends on the trail slope • Steeper slopes require more water bars (less distance between)
water bars
30° minimum angle downgrade for drainage
slash to disperse flow
Slope Spacing (percent) (feet) 2 250 5 135 10 80 15 60 20 45 25 30 30 35
30°minimum angle downgrade for drainage
30°
WATER DIVERSION WATER BAR A water bar is a simple water deflection structure that combines a trench and a berm to divert surface water from skid trails to the forest floor. As with other water diversion structures, water bars prevent erosion and sediment transport by reducing the volume and velocity of runoff.
Water bars are relatively easy to construct using a bulldozer. • Install at a 30 - 45 degree angle downslope • Must extend the entire width of road • The distance between water bars depends on the trail slope • Steeper slopes require more water bars (less distance between)
water bars
30° minimum angle downgrade for drainage
slash to disperse flow
Slope Spacing (percent) (feet) 2 250 5 135 10 80 15 60 20 45 25 30 30 35
30°minimum angle downgrade for drainage
30°
