Greg B Smith wrote:Average of 3 to 5 inches per month with winter being heavier.......Heavy clay soil with a little gravel mixed in the clay in some areas. No sand. Just clay. Water is SLOW to sink in.
From what I gather, swales might not be the best solution with this mix of factors.
My summation of swales:
- good for summer rain events (big ones)
- good with well draining soils
You have neither. Obviously do your own research for your specific situation, but the more I look at them, the less suitable they are for many people.
What happens with cold and clay? the water sits there and causes rot issues. Several threads on permies about this, have a hunt around.