[Objective] This study proposed an “S”-shaped vegetation dam with variable flow path width ratios to regulate surge-type debris flows, aiming to explore the effects of bio-engineering approaches on managing and controlling mountain risks, particularly in energy dissipation and sediment interception. [Methods] A series of flume experiments were conducted on vegetation dams with “S”-shaped flow paths and width ratios of 0% (S-0), 30% (S-30), 45% (S-45), 60% (S-60) and 75% (S-75). These tests focused on flow velocity regulation, flow volume regulation, sediment control and energy dissipation. [Results] (1) The vegetation dam with a 0% flow path width ratio (S-0) exhibited impressive debris flow interception capabilities, reducing flow velocity by 31.03% to 44.19% and flow volume by 45.88% to 56.02%. It also achieved sediment interception rates of 3.31% to 75.69% and energy dissipation levels of 34.37% to 52.72%; (2) The vegetation dam with a 75% flow path width ratio (S-75) showcased strong sediment discharge capabilities, reducing flow velocity by 7.69% to 29.03% and flow volume by 12.94% to 35.54%. It also achieved sediment interception rates ranging from 4.13% to 45.69% and energy dissipation levels between 11.56% and 34.09%; (3) The vegetation dam with a 45% flow path width ratio (S-45) demonstrated a balanced performance in interception and discharge compared to S-30 and S-60. It reduced flow velocity, flow volume, sediment interception, and energy dissipation by 11.11% to 40.00%, 16.47% to 51.20%, 1.63% to 54.75%, and 18.04% to 45.16%, respectively. [Conclusion] The “S”-shaped vegetation dam with a 0% flow path width ratio (S-0) is ideal for debris flow channels focused on interception. In contrast, the 75% width ratio (S-75) is better suited for channels prioritizing sediment discharge. The 45% width ratio (S-45) effectively balances interception and discharge. Managing mountain hazards using ecological measures is a future trend in hazard mitigation and control. The governance model suggested in this study, based on the concept of nature-based solutions, provides a foundation for the development of a synergistic ecological and geotechnical disaster mitigation model.