Simple Grading of Swale

[SwampMuskrat]

I have always had trouble with this:

I am grading a swale with say 3:1 sideslopes and say 1% grade along the bottom of the swale. Let's just say it is 100 feet long.

Does anyone have any helpful tips on accurately grading a swale? If you've done it, you'll know what I am talking about.

 

[civilperson]

Earthwork is usually to +/- 0.1" foot. More accuracy may be had by bluetopping with hubs, (as per highway construction). The few puddles and ponds left from normal grading practices while building swales is acceptable and reasonable. If you want more positive drainage, then pave the bottom.

 

[flatlanderguy]

Use a level and grade it at 10ft intervals.

For the slight ponding your bound to get, once the grass grows it won't show.