Wing ditches can be used to effectively divert runoff water from roadside ditches onto the forest floor. Water that is allowed to flow down steep slopes without being diverted out of the side ditch can gnaw at the roadbed, scour the ditch itself, and move soil down slope.
When installing wing ditches, try to follow the natural contour of the land. These structures should:
When constructing a wing ditch, try not to cut a narrow channel that has a sharp down slope angle. While this would quickly divert water away from the road, it may lead to additional erosion.