Pouring steps down to the creek/swimming hole...nope, never done it before!

[2manyrocks]

Did you scratch your initials and the year in the wet crete?

 

[MotorSeven]

Motley Crew:

 

[MotorSeven]

Did you scratch your initials and the year in the wet crete?

No, but the the wife did....,she wanted to put dog paw prints in it, but it was already too hard.

 

[2manyrocks]

20+ years ago, a friend of mine was going to take over a youth camp at Greene Mtn. It needed updates and so he took me on a tour of other camps in East TN to get some ideas how to make it better one hot July or August.

We went to this one camp that had a large swimming area with a zip line coming off the mountain. The teens would come down the zip line, drop in the water, and then didn't waste any time getting out of the water even though it was really hot, even for East TN.

I asked our host why the kids weren't staying in the water to swim? He said the swimming area was fed by a mountain water source that stayed cold year round.

 

[MotorSeven]

20+ years ago, a friend of mine was going to take over a youth camp at Greene Mtn. It needed updates and so he took me on a tour of other camps in East TN to get some ideas how to make it better one hot July or August.

We went to this one camp that had a large swimming area with a zip line coming off the mountain. The teens would come down the zip line, drop in the water, and then didn't waste any time getting out of the water even though it was really hot, even for East TN.

I asked our host why the kids weren't staying in the water to swim? He said the swimming area was fed by a mountain water source that stayed cold year round.

Yes, this creek is spring fed, so cool in summer and really cool in winter

When we moved here in '07, we were in a 22' Argosy camper. Instead of stuffing myself in the tiny shower, I would just go jump in the creek and soap down/rinse off everyday....it was March

 

[MotorSeven]

Forms stripped...a few minor voids, very happy with the results. Decided that it really needs handrails, so removable ones are next.

 

[MotorSeven]

 

[MotorSeven]

 

[pmsmechanic]

Looks good! Smart move on the hand rails.

 

[Carl_NH]

Looks very solid! For removable posts you could anchor these on the sides Everbilt 2 in. x 4 in. Zinc Plated Stake Holder 31230 - The Home Depot then use trailer stake pockets on the botom like this but heavier for the 2x4 to sit in Robot or human?

 

[MotorSeven]

Testing...testing....after 1.25" of rain in 24 hrs:

The first two pics are the staircase behind the Weir at the 'Dam'. There is basically zero current hitting it.

The last pic of the one by the pigs is not getting the full force of water, but it is getting some. Curious to see what the base of each looks like when this goes down, which will take a day or two of no rain.

I will try an upload a video....

 

[MotorSeven]

 

[MotorSeven]

 

[2manyrocks]

Someone else suggested it earlier in the thread, but it would be a good idea to add some rip rap along the stairs to divert the full force of the water away.

 

[MotorSeven]

Someone else suggested it earlier in the thread, but it would be a good idea to add some rip rap along the stairs to divert the full force of the water away.

Agree, I did move some smaller stuff, filling in along the bases and pad. I will have to go get some from areas of the bank that have an excess and move it to the staircases. Picking up the tractor today after front axle bearing replacements, it will be good to have the hydraulic wheelbarrow back

 

[2manyrocks]

I had to move some large rocks last year. There are some youtube videos on how to use straps to move large rocks for pond landscaping. They do a better job than I ever could of explaining how they do it. Would save you a lot of effort if you aren't already familiar with it.

 

[Streetcar]

Make sure to place riprap on the down stream side of stairs. This is commonly forgotten and can lead to failure

 

[jonathentyquan]

Last year, we had a bank erosion project completed on our creek that runs through the property. 300' of fabric and 120 tons of rip rap. In the summer, the water is low, and the creek is about 7-8' down from the pasture. So, with the angle of the rip rap bank, I need about 12' of steps. Trying to walk/crawl down to the creek right now is hazardous, but necessary if you are going to take a dip in the swimming hole. Flooding in spring can be 2' over the banks and completely cover my pasture out to the paved road. For this reason, wooden steps will not work.
Speed Test
Since I have never done this before, I Youtubed it, and now am a confident (cough)expert. Stair tread/rise calculations hurt my head, so I keep a 4' HomeDepot pre-cut Stringer handy as a template. I bought 4-12' 2x12x12 boards and marked out the risers and treads.

So, put 2x8 risers on the Stringers 2' apart(width of stairwell), drag it down to the creek and find a suitable spot to set it on top of the rip rap. I figure a 3x3 top and lower pad all tied together with some re-bar.

Will take new pics of the creek and proposed stair location......stand-by.

What could go wrong pouring 24 steps??

It still scours. Unless it's bolted to bedrock or on deep pilings, if the water comes fast enough long enough, it washes out.

 

[ultrarunner]

Motley Crew:

Looks like Band of Brothers!

Postcard perfect picture…

Some day hope to explore visiting friends that have relocated to TN… they all love it!

 

[lilranch2001]

Tennessee is a gorgeous state, in someways like cali, without all the fruit n nuts!