Field research data, including route and stationary data obtained by Research Institute of Soil Erosion and Channel Processes as well as published data were used to analyze the peculiar features of the gully formation under different natural conditions. Four test sites were taken: in the steppe zone, forest-steppe zone, the southern part of the mixed forest zone and tundra zone. The impact of melt-water and storm rainfall was shown, minimal catch basin area necessary for gullies rise was evaluated as in natural conditions and under strong human impact. Simultaneous action of zonal and local factors of gully formation was analyzed.