Above is a series of 4 drawings illustrating the installation of a wooden plank checkdam.

The top drawing, drawing A, is of the front view of the checkdam. It explains that the "top of the dam and bottom of the spillway must be level". It explains that, "4X4 redwood posts are nailed to the checkdam". It points out that "2X12" redwood boards" are used as the stopping boards for the dam. It explains, "joints between boards should be snug-fitting and squarely aligned". It explains how to "insert posts to a depth of ½ the total exposed checkdam height". It explains how "to cut keyway into bottom of channel 3" deep per board (12") of height to a maximum of 10"".

Drawing B is a top view of the checkdam. It explains to "space posts evenly, 2' apart for 3-4 board dams, 3' apart for shorter dams". It explains to "compact soil in keyway in 2" lifts. Do not use rocks in keyway". The drawing shows rocks piled up on the downstream side of the checkdam.

Drawing C is a side view of the checkdam. It explains to "hand-place rock to a depth of 1/3 the spillway ht. (H) and to a length equal to the spillway ht.". It explains the "face of the dam should be plum level". It explains to "compact soil in keyway and directly behind dam in 2" lifts" It shows the spillway on top of the dam and filter fabric over the upstream side of the dam.

The bottom drawing, drawing D, is a filter fabric detail view of the checkdam. It explains to "insert fabric 6" min. into gully bottom and sides. Nail to face of dam. Attach to banks with 6" staples or large nails and washers". It explains to "cut fabric to fit spillway. Fold edge and nail double thickness to top of spillway and dam".