Hardened Stream Crossing

Overview

Properly designed and installed hardened stream crossings provide a safe, permanent area for livestock and equipment to cross streams without becoming bogged in the mud, and they protect the streambanks and streambed.

Advantages

• Adaptable to various stream sizes and locations.
• Quick installation.
• Long useful life.
• Low maintenance but rock layers will need to be periodically renewed.
• Does not obstruct or impair stream flow.
• Encourages livestock to use stream water at desired location, especially when combined with fencing.
• Does not require poured concrete.
• Reduces erosive livestock trailing down to the stream.

Limitations

• Can be expensive if gravel delivery costs are high.
• Stream down-cutting can damage the crossing.
• Requires grading and may need a professional design.

Design Considerations

Crossings should be placed on riffles, never in pools, and should be placed perpendicular to stream flow. The design includes approach ramps on both sides of the stream and the in-stream portion of the crossing. Approach ramps are created by grading the streambanks to a uniform slope from the top of the bank to the level of the stream.

After grading, geotextile fabric is laid over the soil and streambed surface, from the top of the approach ramp, through the stream, and up the approach ramp on the other side. The geotextile is then covered with layers of rock and gravel.

The final streambed crossing surface should be at the same elevation as the original elevation and should smoothly grade into the approach ramps. The stream bed will need to be excavated to accommodate the thickness of the geotextile fabric and gravel fill material.

This practice may require permits. Please read the permit section of this handbook.