Evaluating sediment storage dams: structural off-site sediment trapping measures in northwest Ethiopia

• DOI: 10.18172/cig.2643
• Publication Date: 2015-06-05T06:54:11Z
• Authors: M. Mekonnen; S.D. Keesstra; J.E. Baartman; C.J. Ritsema; A.M. Melesse
• Keywords: Sedimentation; Sedimentary budget; Sediment trap

Reservoir and lake sedimentation is a vital problem in Ethiopia. Constructing small medium size dams at the outlets of sub-catchments within larger catchment helps to reduce transport sediment downstream reservoirs or lakes. This study assessed trapping efficacy (STE) storage (SSDs) built eight northwest Ethiopia, as an off-site measure. Satellite imagery topographic maps were used assess land use/land cover delineate boundaries sub-catchments. In field, trapped by SSDs was measured directly, well in- outflow suspended with which STE each SSD estimated. Sediment yield sub-catchment calculated from estimated loss. Results show that average 1584 t yr-1 inflow specific ranged 8.6-55 ha-1 yr-1. Two representative constructed gabion stone evaluated regard their STE. showed 74% 67% for SSD, respectively. general, although might be costly scale farmers have relatively short life span depending on size, they are promising structural measures trap significant amounts subsequently reducing movement water bodies.