• Annual grading (spring/fall)

• Calcium chloride or dust control treatment

• Reapplying gravel every 2–5 years

• Maintaining a 2–5% crown

• Clearing ditches and culverts regularly

Washboarding / Corrugation

• Ripple effect in the surface caused by speeding or dry, loose gravel.

• Can be fixed with raking and proper compaction.

Loose Gravel or “Float”

• Fines are lost, leaving too many large particles.

• Can be resolved by adding fines or regrading.

Dust Problems

• Caused by loss of fines or very dry conditions.

• Can be controlled with calcium chloride or lignin.

Weeds / Grass Encroachment

• Grows through the surface, especially in low-use areas.

• Needs weed control or spot grading.

Minor Edge Erosion

• Gravel edges break down, especially near ditches or turnouts.

• Usually solved by reshaping and topping up material.

Loss of Crown (Flattened Surface)

• Crown is vital for drainage (typically 2% slope to each side).

• A flat surface traps water, leading to potholes and rutting.

Poor Gravel Coverage / Thin Spots

• Base may be exposed, especially in high-traffic areas.

• Leads to faster wear and more dust.

Exposed Subgrade / Base Failure

• Indicates gravel has worn away.

• May require regrading and rebuilding with new material.

Compacted Hard Pan or Slick Surface

• Caused by traffic or lack of grading.

• Reduces traction and prevents water infiltration (can increase washboarding risk).

Frost Heaving (Winter/Spring)

• Causes temporary bumps and unevenness.

• May require spring repairs once thawed.

Deep Potholes

• Caused by water infiltration and traffic.

• Can damage vehicles and worsen quickly if ignored.

Severe Rutting / Wheel Tracks

• Formed by repeated tire paths, often due to poor drainage or soft subgrade.

• Leads to loss of proper crown or grade and causes water pooling.

Washouts / Erosion

• Happens after heavy rain or snowmelt.

• Gravel and fines are carried away, sometimes exposing subgrade.

Drainage Failure / Standing Water

• Indicates improper slope or clogged ditches.

• Leads to soft spots, potholes, and rapid gravel degradation.

Soft / Muddy Sections

• Usually due to poor base or water saturation.

• Trucks and equipment can sink or get stuck.