This is one of several small watersheds being considered for improvement by applying the core project concept. Along a main gully, which drains into the Kuye River in northern Shaanxi, 19 key dams are placed on its branch gullies to block off most of the sediment flow into the main gully. Of these,13 are new dams to be added during China's Eighth 5-year Plan (1991-1995), while 6 are pre-existing dams to be elevated and strengthened. The area of the watershed is 146 sq km. The 13 new dams control a total catchment basin of 49 sq km, averaging less than 4 sq km per dam, which is very appropriate for agricultural purpose, as well as for safety and ecological considerations.

Also shown on the plan are two multi-purpose dams, one is located at the mouth of the gully and another midway up the gully. With sediment runoffs from the branch gullies already controlled by the key dams, these dams will have a long useful life span. No sediment produced from this small watershed will reach the Kuye River, or the Yellow River.