Device and method for keeping channels clear of silt

A method of forming a channel in a waterway having a current, a surface, a depth and a bottom, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a fixed channel curtain device comprising:
• i. an elongated cylindrical float having a length and a first side;
• ii. an elongated flexible curtain depending from the first side of the elongated cylindrical float and extending along the entire length thereof, the elongated curtain having a bottom end opposite where the elongated curtain depends from the elongated cylindrical float;
• iii. an elongated weight formed on the bottom end of the elongated flexible curtain, the elongated weight extending along the entire length of the elongated cylindrical float;
• b. selecting the length of the elongated float to equal a desired length of the channel;
• c. selecting the height of the elongated flexible curtain to be approximately equal to the depth of the waterway such that the elongated weight remains on the bottom while the elongated cylindrical float remains on the surface;
• d. placing the fixed curtain device along a desired path channel, the desired path oriented such that the fixed channel curtain device extends coordinate within the current such that the current flows along and parallel to the elongated flexible curtain,
• e. wherein the elongated cylindrical float has a second side opposite the first side, the elongated flexible curtain attached to the first side of the elongated cylindrical float along a first attachment line, the elongated flexible curtain, an elongated ballast weight being formed on the second side of the elongated cylindrical float along a second attachment line opposite the first attachment line, the elongated ballast weight, elongated cylindrical float and the elongated flexible curtain all being configured to permit the elongated cylindrical float to freely rotate between a first position wherein the elongated ballast weight is oriented vertically below the first attachment line, and a second position wherein the first attachment line is oriented vertically below the elongated ballast weight, the elongated ballast weight being sufficiently heavy to bias the elongated float towards the first position of the elongated float.