Rutting is measured in square feet (square meters) of surface area, and its severity is determined by the mean depth of the rut. To determine the mean depth, a straightedge should be laid across the rut and the depth measured. The mean depth in inches (millimeters) should be computed from measurements taken along the length of the rut. If alligator cracking and rutting occur in the same area, each is recorded at the respective severity level.