Validation of Model-Based Optimization of Reservoir Sediment Releases by Dam Removal
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 147, Issue 7
Abstract
Appropriate sediment management is required to improve the lifespan and productivity of reservoirs. Flushing operations to release part of the trapped sediment have therefore become increasingly common in practice. However, there is no clear methodology or guideline to assess their effectiveness. Numerical models are promising, but the lack of studies and data for validation presents a significant challenge. An opportunity to assess flushing operations is presented by the increasing number of dam removal interventions monitored for subsequent reservoir erosion and sediment displacement. Treating dam removal as an extreme case of sediment flushing, we use the case of the Marmot Dam removal to validate a two-dimensional morphodynamic model, which is then used for the study and optimization of sediment flushing operations. The results indicate that the software can be successfully used to design and optimize these types of operations notwithstanding some limitations in the quantification of released sediment volumes. Flushing appears to be more efficient if it starts just before the peak of a flood wave.
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Data Availability Statement
The model developed during the study is available from the corresponding author by request. Data were provided by third parties. Direct requests for these materials may be made to the provider indicated in the acknowledgments.
Acknowledgments
The first author was funded by the Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP), reference CS-SA/MRA/LtB, 2016. The authors wish to thank Deltares for providing work facilities and support. The authors acknowledge Prof. Dr. Mário J. Franca, IHE Delft, for his useful suggestions. Thanks to Charles J. Podolak (Johns Hopkins University), Jon J. Major, and Mackenzie K. Keith from USGS for providing useful data and information related to the case study.
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Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 147 • Issue 7 • July 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 21, 2019
Accepted: Jan 7, 2021
Published online: Apr 21, 2021
Published in print: Jul 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Sep 21, 2021
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