Dry Riverbeds: Beautiful Solutions for Water Runoff

With spring here, you may wonder how to manage runoff from snow or rain hitting saturated soils. Unexpected or mismanaged water isn't just inconvenient — in some areas it's dangerous. In my native Los Angeles, too much water leads to slope destabilization, slides, and ocean pollution as runoff overwhelms storm systems. Ugly problems, but at least one solution is incredibly beautiful!

Dry riverbeds are a visually striking way to engage and manage water on a property — whether expecting flash floods or simply directing water productively.

Golden Associates, Landscape Architects: Dry riverbeds are workhorse features, but don't underestimate their visual impact. In arid landscapes, river rock mixed with contrasting colorful gravel can be dramatic and engaging.

Celine Fisk: Possible to route water to feed water features like this small fountain.

Cassy Aoyagi, FormLA Landscaping: While the energy above is enhanced by color contrast between river rock and surrounding stone, riverbeds surrounded by analogous materials like decomposed granite still convey richness and vitality.

Note: A rain chain visible on the left allows water to permeate into the ground and feed back into the groundwater table. An infiltration pit could help move excess water off the property.

While infiltration is preferred, dry riverbeds can also help excess water percolate onsite prior to efficiently leaving after soil saturation.

Cassy Aoyagi, FormLA Landscaping: Commonly associated with xeriscaped looks — desert gardens live or die on managing low and unexpected water — but dry riverbeds complement a wide variety of aesthetics.

Field Outdoor Spaces: Dry riverbeds stabilize slopes by providing water escape venues — a major factor in preventing slides. This particular river may also feed an infiltration pit.

Kikuchi + Kankel Design Group: Dry riverbeds route water away from structure foundations — important as many structures are built without understanding natural water flow.

River Valley Orchids: This riverbed appears to feed a biological pond — beautiful and effective way to store water onsite while allowing percolation and groundwater infiltration.

Dry riverbeds are just one strategy for directing and managing excess water. Watch for upcoming ideabooks on related topics and check out Erin Lang Norris' article on rain chains.