By Blake Curran, Lead Compliance Manager - Colorado // 2021-01-21
Implementing stabilization in the winter can be a daunting task when the days are short and temperatures are cool. Depending on your geographical location you could be limited on the options available to stabilize soils; however, there are options to meet the stabilization requirement for your project all year round. Being proactive in soil stabilization is the best way to reduce and/or minimize erosion.
Those pesky steep slopes on your project that are the most likely to erode are the ones that should be given the most attention to. Dormant seeding can be conducted during the winter months up until the ground freezes. Mulching on snow or bare frozen soils is widely practiced when the ground is frozen for months at a time, be mindful as windy conditions can make it challenging to keep the mulch in place.
Winter slope stabilization techniques can include rolled erosion control blanket and hydromulching. Erosion control blanket is a common stabilization method as it can be used in various situations, all-year-around, and offers low maintenance once properly installed. Hydromulching is a spray-on erosion control technique that can be used with or without seeds to be effective in stabilizing. Mulching with seeds will provide long-term stabilization, while without seeds can be utilized as temporary for it can be quick to dissipate thus requiring another application. Always refer to the local jurisdiction for specific stabilization requirements.