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 that control rates of gross soil erosion in upland areas of the Fifteenmile Creek drainage in Wyoming. Rates of gross soil erosion were found to be most closely related to slope gradient, vegetation density, and soil texture. These variables were mapped for the drainage and digitized files of these maps were combined in a geographic information system to depict the spatial pattern of soil mobilization. Gross soil erosion in badland areas was found to be extreme when compared to the remainder of the drainage. Neither structural nor non-structural sediment control strategies are well-suited to these badland areas. Engineering structures to control sediment export had been constructed in poorly chosen locations at extreme and unnecessary expense to taxpayers.