WOLF CREEK DAMAND RISK MANAGED RESERVOIR RESTRICTIONS

摘要

Emergency measures are in place at Wolf Creek Dam to reduce imminent risk to loss of human life and severe economic losses from a failure of the dam. The implementation of a reservoir restriction is a very serious action for any Corps of Engineer dam. The act of imposing a reservoir restriction serves as a public admonishment that something is not right at a dam. Restrictions also typically result in loss of revenues for most projects. This is especially true for the 258-foot high Wolf Creek Dam which impounds the largest reservoir east of the Mississippi River. The reservoir would normally be held at an elevation of 723 to allow for summer recreation and lowered to an elevation of 690 to allow for seasonal flood control. The pool is presently restricted to an elevation of 680 with no seasonal adjustments. Using Wolf Creek Dam as an example, this paper defines measures the Corps is taking to manage their overall risks associated with their portfolio of dams.