Washout (trail erosion)

On an off-road trail, a washout is a groove, channel or hole formed when running water carries away soil, gravel or sand. Washouts often appear on slopes and in valleys after heavy rain or snowmelt, and they may run along the trail as a deep rut or cut straight across it.

They are dangerous because they can be deeper than they look, have sharp edges and appear suddenly behind a crest or bend. Hitting one at speed can bottom the suspension, damage rims or throw the rider off.

Tips: slow down after storms, read the terrain ahead, cross a channel as close to a right angle as possible while standing on the pegs, and ride a long rut by looking ahead and keeping steady throttle. In rally roadbooks washouts are often marked with a danger symbol.