Live Willow Siltation Baffles

The baffles are an extremely effective and economic method of restoring washed out streambanks and flood terraces. This structure, with its massive brush layers, will reduce the speed of the water thereby reducing its tracking force. The more barriers placed behind one another, the more completely will the suspended sediment load and bed load material be deposited, with the coarser material being first and the finest last. With only a single flood, siltation up to the average water level can occur. Live siltation baffles develop into dense flexible brush, which develops rapidly into a plant community that is natural to the site. See diagram

Live Willow Siltation baffles on the Russian River in Alexander Valley just after construction in fall 2004.

Live Willow Siltation Baffles during first season's growth, in spring 2005.

Live Willow Siltation Baffles one year after construction in fall 2005. The Baffles have begun to establish a terrace in front of the previously eroded bank.

The same site from opposite bank in spring 2009, natural complexity has begun to develop, and there has been no further erosion.

Example of technique in use:
Rochioli Winery