Technical Abstract: Subsoiling is the practice of ripping continuous open channels or creating pits using a rotary subsoiler to penetrate plow-pans for the purpose of improving root penetration of, and water infiltration into the soil profile. In the Pacific Northwest, precipitation ranges from 150 - 350 mm, and falls predominately from November to March when runoff and erosion can be severe on frozen or partially frozen soils. Experiments were conducted in six of seven years from 1996 through 2003 at six on-farm sites in eastern Washington to determine if rotary subsoiling reduced runoff and erosion, improved soil water storage, or affected crop yields. There were two treatments, rotary subsoiling and control. The rotary subsoiler created 40 cm deep pit with a4-L capacity every 0.7 m2. Runoff and erosion did not occur in either treatment at any location because of natural rainfall over the 7-year period. No differences in wheat grain yield were found between subsoiled and control plots when averaged over six years. Rotary subsoiling increased water stored over winter (P<0.05) in 2 of 6 years In 2003, rainfall was simulated for approximately three hours at a rate of 18 mm/hr on both subsoiled and control plots to determine runoff and erosion responses. Rotary subsoiling significantly reduced runoff during the final 50 min of rainfall simulation. Erosion was significantly reduced only during the 20 to 45 min period after runoff had begun. Rotary subsoiling can reduce runoff and increase water stored in the soil profile, and, during short duration, intense rainstorms, it provides valuable soil-saving benefits, in fall planted wheat fields on steep slopes, following summer fallow.