When temperatures drop and vegetation goes dormant, sediment and erosion control becomes more challenging — but no less important. Winter brings frozen ground, fluctuating temperatures, and unpredictable runoff that can quickly undermine bare soil, threaten waterways, and put compliance at risk. The right cold-weather BMPs will help protect your site until spring growth returns.
At MKB, we specialize in sediment and erosion control solutions that perform year-round. Here’s how to prepare your jobsite for winter and keep your stormwater plan in compliance.
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Understand the Risks of Winter Runoff
Erosion doesn’t stop when the weather turns cold. In fact, freeze–thaw cycles can destabilize soil and increase sediment loss once melting occurs. Frozen ground limits infiltration, so meltwater and rainfall tend to move quickly across the surface, carrying loose sediment and debris into storm drains and nearby waterways.
Common cold-season challenges include:
- Reduced vegetation cover, leaving soil exposed
- Frozen or compacted surfaces that increase runoff velocity
- Limited access for crews, making maintenance more difficult
- Material degradation from snow, ice, and salt exposure
Taking proactive measures before the first hard freeze can prevent costly damage and regulatory violations later.
Use Cold-Weather-Rated Sediment and Erosion Control Products
Choosing solutions that maintain integrity through freezing conditions is key. MKB offers several products that deliver consistent performance in cold weather:
Straw Wattles – Straw wattles provide a practical, eco-friendly solution for controlling runoff and capturing sediment during the winter season. Made from biodegradable agricultural straw encased in durable netting, these wattles offer a simple yet effective way to reduce slope length, slow water velocity, and prevent soil loss, even when the ground is frozen or vegetation is dormant.
Easy to install with minimal equipment, Straw Wattles are particularly useful when site access is limited or soil conditions prevent heavy disturbance. They create small barriers that redirect runoff and trap sediment near the source, helping stabilize slopes and perimeter zones during snowmelt or rain-on-frozen-ground events.
When used alongside products like SiltSoxx, Siltron Silt Fence, or DiversionSoxx, Straw Wattles contribute to a layered, cold-weather BMP system that keeps sites compliant, minimizes winter erosion, and prepares disturbed areas for spring revegetation.
SiltSoxx Compost Filter Socks – SiltSoxx is one of the most versatile and cold-weather-ready sediment and erosion control products available. Built with a compost-filled mesh design, it provides immediate filtration and flow control, even when ground conditions are frozen or compacted. Unlike traditional silt fences that can require trenching, SiltSoxx installs quickly on the soil surface, making it ideal for late-season or winter projects when excavation is limited.
During freeze–thaw cycles, SiltSoxx continues to perform, trapping sediment and slowing runoff while maintaining flow capacity along slopes, perimeters, or in sensitive drainage areas. Its biodegradable filter media offers both erosion and sediment control, filtering fine particles while stabilizing disturbed soil.
Because it conforms naturally to uneven or frozen terrain, SiltSoxx remains effective where rigid barriers might fail. Whether used as a stand-alone BMP or in combination with other sediment and erosion control solutions to ensure ongoing compliance and protection through the coldest months of the year.
SiltSoxx RH Filter Socks – When temperatures drop and traditional filter media freeze solid, SiltSoxx RH (Rice Hull) offers a dependable alternative engineered for cold-weather performance. Filled with clean, processed rice hulls instead of compost, SiltSoxx RH maintains filtration efficiency and flexibility even in sub-freezing conditions.
The rice hull fill material provides a lightweight structure that resists saturation, allowing consistent flow-through and sediment capture during snowmelt or rain-on-frozen-ground events. Because the rice hulls are inert and free-draining, they don’t clump or harden when moisture freezes, helping maintain permeability and reducing maintenance demands throughout the winter months.
DiversionSoxx – DiversionSoxx features a heavy-duty, high-density design that channels runoff efficiently along its length rather than letting water filter through, making it ideal for directing flow on active or frozen job sites. Its rugged construction allows for reliable installation even on frozen or compacted ground, ensuring performance through harsh winter conditions.
Engineered for flexibility in placement, DiversionSoxx can be positioned upslope, across long or steep grades, or diagonally on-site to redirect runoff away from sensitive areas. Because it conveys water rather than filtering it, the system remains low-maintenance and clog-resistant, minimizing upkeep during the cold-weather months when access and labor are limited.
Siltron Silt Fence – The Siltron Silt Fence is a high-performance, multi-layer sediment barrier engineered to perform when winter conditions put other controls to the test. Designed for year-round perimeter protection, Siltron maintains strength and stability through freezing temperatures, snowmelt, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles that can compromise standard silt fences.
Its reinforced, multi-layer construction delivers exceptional tear resistance and filtration efficiency, ensuring that sediment stays contained even when soils are saturated or ground conditions are frozen. Unlike lightweight fabrics that collapse or clog during winter storms, Siltron’s durable design keeps water flowing while preventing sediment migration — helping contractors maintain compliance when access and maintenance are limited. Ideal for cold-weather use, Siltron Silt Fence can be installed before the first freeze and left in place to provide reliable erosion and sediment control throughout the dormant season.
Each of these products can be installed before winter to deliver ongoing erosion, sediment, and site stabilization performance until permanent measures can be established in spring.
Maintain, Inspect, and Prepare for the Season Ahead
Cold weather can make inspections challenging, as frozen ground, shorter daylight hours, and unpredictable weather all complicate routine site visits. But consistent maintenance during the winter months is critical for keeping BMPs effective and ensuring your project stays compliant.
Even the most durable erosion control products require attention to perform at their best through multiple freeze–thaw cycles. Minor damage left unaddressed in January can lead to costly erosion or sediment loss by March.
Keep BMPs Functional Through Winter
Winter presents unique challenges for erosion and sediment control. Freeze–thaw cycles, snowmelt, and limited site access can weaken installations, displace materials, and reduce overall system performance. Regular inspection and maintenance of your BMPs ensures continued site protection and compliance throughout the cold season.
Contractors should plan inspections after major weather events such as heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, or sharp temperature swings — times when runoff patterns often shift and expose weaknesses in control measures. During each check, focus on maintaining full contact between BMPs and the ground surface, as frost heave can cause separation that allows water to bypass or undercut the installation. Remove accumulated sediment, ice, or debris that could block flow and increase hydraulic pressure, and repair or reinforce any displaced or damaged sections before conditions worsen.
Protect Your Site All Season Long
Cold weather doesn’t stop erosion — it tests the limits of your control measures. With the right combination of Straw Wattles, SiltSoxx, DiversionSoxx, Siltsoxx RH, and Siltron Silt Fence, your site can stay compliant, stable, and protected through every freeze, thaw, and storm event. MKB provides proven, field-tested products designed to perform when conditions are toughest, along with the expertise to help you choose the right solution for your project.
Get ahead of winter weather. Contact MKB today to discuss your site’s cold-weather erosion and sediment control needs, or request a quote for products that deliver dependable performance all season long.
