Cabin Erosion from Vertical Clay Bank: Intercept Water or Armor Slope

Question: Smokies cabin: near-vertical clay bank erodes 4–5" onto pavement. How to build bulkhead/retaining wall?

Answer: No "Mud Catcher"—Intercept Water Above or Armor Slope

Best: intercept water at top of slope, divert before it runs down face. If impossible, armor slope with plants that hold soil.

Resources: erosion control plants.

If too steep/shady for plants: stacked bag systems (DeltaLok), concrete armor (Flexamat), gabions/geogrids (Maccaferri).

Consult civil engineer for diversion ditch feasibility (area, outlet, historic flows).

—Marc