What Is the Most Efficient Way to Clean Out Raised Waterways

[MikePhua]

Understanding the Challenge
Waterways that have accumulated sediment and risen above surrounding fields pose a unique challenge for land management. These elevated channels disrupt natural drainage, increase erosion risk, and reduce field productivity. Cleaning them effectively requires a blend of strategic planning, appropriate equipment, and an understanding of soil behavior.
In regions with rolling terrain, such as parts of Iowa and Illinois, the elevation change across a waterway can range from 1% to 5%. This gradient influences both water velocity and sediment transport. A 1% slope typically allows silt to remain suspended, preventing premature deposition, while steeper slopes accelerate runoff and increase erosion. The goal is to reshape the waterway to a depth of 1–2 feet below field level with gently sloping sides, ideally forming a parabolic cross-section that maintains consistent water flow and minimizes lateral wandering.
Selecting the Right Equipment
While a self-loading scraper offers efficiency in ideal conditions, many operators rely on more accessible machinery like the Caterpillar D6C dozer. Introduced in the 1960s, the D6C became a staple in earthmoving due to its reliability and versatility. Caterpillar, founded in 1925, has sold millions of dozers worldwide, with the D6 series being one of its most enduring product lines. The D6C features a six-way blade, allowing precise control over grading and shaping.
In practice, the D6C can be used to shear sod, move spoil, and contour the channel. Operators often begin by staking the centerline every 100 feet, marking cut depths and toe widths. This staking guides cross-dozing passes, where the dozer moves soil laterally to shape the waterway. Leaving small islands of dirt at each stake provides reserve material for final grading, compensating for any undercuts.
Managing Sod and Spoil
Sod management is critical. If left in large slabs, it becomes cumbersome and difficult to spread. A common technique involves using a chisel plow followed by a light disc pass to fragment the sod. Alternatively, the dozer can slice sod into narrow strips—about one foot wide—and bury them in low spots, covering with clean soil to prevent regrowth and maintain surface integrity.
Attempting to peel sod with a full-width blade often results in oversized rolls, colloquially known as “carpet rolls,” which are difficult to handle. Instead, gradual shearing and controlled burial are preferred. In wetter conditions, a push cat (another dozer) paired with a scraper can relocate spoil to clay knobs or depressions needing fill. This tandem setup also provides a rescue mechanism if one machine becomes stuck—a common occurrence in mucky terrain.
Slope and Grade Considerations
Achieving the correct slope is essential. While a 1% grade is ideal for sediment transport without erosion, real-world conditions may necessitate adjustments. In some cases, a temporary increase to 1.5% helps regain depth but must be transitioned smoothly over 200–300 feet to avoid abrupt grade breaks. Grass cover also plays a role; clipped or grazed grass in the fall prevents water slowdown and sediment deposition.
In areas with steep terrain, such as 3–5% slopes, terraces become indispensable. These structures intercept runoff, reduce velocity, and promote infiltration. Building terraces requires precise staking and grading, often coordinated with local conservation agencies. Once established, they significantly reduce gully formation and support long-term waterway stability.
Field Stories and Lessons Learned
One operator in Illinois recounted using a Case 650 dozer with a six-way blade to clean waterways. Starting from the center and working outward, he emphasized avoiding discing before dozing, as it creates loose piles that resist blade rolling. Instead, he recommended shearing sod first, then discing if needed.
Another anecdote involved a scraper pulling a stuck dozer from a mucky channel. The operator had wisely paired the machines, anticipating poor footing. This foresight saved hours of downtime and highlighted the importance of equipment synergy.
Terminology Notes

• Cross-dozing: Moving soil perpendicular to the waterway’s length to shape its profile.
  
• Toe stakes: Markers indicating the outer edge of the cut, used to guide width and slope.
  
• Parabolic bottom: A gently curved channel base that promotes consistent water flow.
  
• Spoil: Excavated material removed during grading or digging.
  
• Sod shearing: Cutting turf into manageable strips for relocation or burial.
  

Recommendations and Solutions

• Use a dozer with a tilt blade for better control over slope and grade.
  
• Stake centerlines and toe widths before excavation to guide operations.
  
• Avoid full-width sod peeling; shear in narrow strips and bury strategically.
  
• Pair equipment (e.g., dozer and scraper) for efficiency and recovery support.
  
• Consider seasonal timing—fall is ideal for clipping grass and preparing waterways.
  
• Consult local conservation offices for terrace design and runoff control strategies.
  

Conclusion
Cleaning raised waterways is a complex but manageable task when approached methodically. By understanding terrain dynamics, leveraging appropriate equipment, and applying proven techniques, operators can restore drainage, prevent erosion, and enhance field productivity. The process blends engineering, experience, and adaptability—qualities that define successful land management across generations.