Effectiveness of sediment control structures relative to spatial patterns of upland soil loss in an arid watershed, Wyoming

Rainfall simulation experiments have been used to identify the variables th at control rates of gross soil erosion in upland areas of the Fifteenmile C reek drainage in Wyoming. Rates of gross soil erosion were found to be most closely related to slope gradient, vegetation density, and soil texture. T hese variables were mapped for the drainage and digitized files of these ma ps were combined in a geographic information system to depict the spatial p attern of soil mobilization. Gross soil erosion in badland areas was found to be extreme when compared to the remainder of the drainage. Neither struc tural nor non-structural sediment control strategies are well-suited to the se badland areas. Engineering structures to control sediment export had bee n constructed in poorly chosen locations at extreme and unnecessary expense to taxpayers. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.