Washouts

Washouts

Washouts identify where runoff has removed material. Restoring levels without changing the erosive flow can produce the same failure again.

Before moving material

Inspect the upstream catchment, discharge route and remaining stability.

Receiving operation and checks

Re-establish and protect the surface with the appropriate stabilisation method. Inspect during later runoff and check the repair's edges.

Deep scour, unstable banks or structural damage may require specialist work.

High Spots

A high spot is meaningful only relative to the intended surface. It may obstruct runoff, limit cultivation depth or sit above a construction formation. Cutting it without knowing the target can remove useful soil unnecessarily.

Before moving material

Measure the feature against surrounding levels and the agreed datum.

Receiving operation and checks

Recheck the corrected level and restore the appropriate surface layer. Check whether the high spot was a local deposit or part of the intended contour.

A visible mound is not automatically a defect.

Low Spots

A low spot may be a true grade deficit, settlement over weak ground or part of a designed drain. The cause determines whether filling is appropriate.

Before moving material

Compare surface levels with the intended drainage path.

Receiving operation and checks

Compact or prepare the repaired material for its next use. Check the repair against adjacent levels and observe whether water still collects.

Repeated settlement needs investigation rather than repeated surface filling.

Record the job inputs

Use this checklist to turn the scenario into a specific brief. Retain the design revision and agree who accepts each completed layer.

• Existing condition, extent and the reason for intervention
• Required finished purpose, receiving operation and acceptance criteria
• Material type, layer role, source, receiving area and volume state
• Reference levels, datum, survey method and issued design revision
• Available tractor, implement configuration, travel route and turning space
• Checks before work, stopping points and evidence retained at handover

Checklist ticks apply only while this page is open. Include the completed brief in your project records.

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