What is one primary design purpose of stone check dams?

The primary design purpose of stone check dams is to reduce the velocity of water flow in a channel. When constructed, these check dams create a series of barriers that slow down the movement of water, which helps minimize erosion along stream banks and in the channel itself. By reducing the flow velocity, these structures allow sediment to settle out, which can help improve water quality and prevent sediment transport downstream.

While trapping and filtering sediment are important functions that check dams can serve, the primary intention with their design is focused on velocity reduction. This reduction is crucial for maintaining the stability of surrounding areas and ensuring that sediment does not wash away too quickly, which could lead to further erosion issues. Therefore, recognizing the role of stone check dams in controlling water speed is essential for understanding their function in erosion and sediment control practices.