Review of the October 9, 1963 Failure of the Vaiont Reservoir Slope

The Vaiont Slide is frequently cited as illustrating one of the hazards caused by dam construction even when the dam itself is shown to be safe. Here, we briefly review the chronology of events, monitoring performed prior to failure, likely causes of the failure, and suggest instrumentation that could be used in similar situations to potentially avoid failure. Specifically, time domain reflectometry techniques could be used in similar situations to provide substantive water pressure measurements and reliable movement records. Clearly, such consequential projects need thorough site investigations and carefully planned and maintained monitoring systems to avoid future disasters.