Dike or berm construction – During project construction and immediately thereafter, construct a dike or berm at the top of the cut to prevent water from running down the slope. The dike or berm should be borrow material to avoid disturbing the natural ground, in conjunction with a grassed channel or paved ditch.

Outlet protection – Water can be spread over the natural slope or carried to lower elevations in chutes or closed pipes. Protect outlets for such high velocity chutes from scour. Streams in cut sections require special attention.

Serrated slopes – In some areas of Texas, serrated cut slopes help establish vegetative cover on decomposed rock or shale slopes. Serrate any material that is rippable or that will hold a vertical face for a few weeks until vegetation becomes established.

Shoulder drains -- Where vegetation cannot be established or where flow down the fill slope is objectionable, collect the runoff at the shoulder edge and direct it to an adequate inlet and chute.