The Reservoir as a Flood Control Structure

This paper presents in an abbreviated form an analysis of the methods of obtaining flood control by means of reservoirs. It begins with a general definition of the flood-control problem and a classification of all possible methods of control. The detailed analysis deals only with the reservoir solution of the problem. For the purpose of bringing to the mind of the reader the various facts that are necessary to consider, a rough outline of the general procedure followed in approaching a specific flood-control problem is given. This may appear elementary to the experienced engineer, but should serve to catalog the various items that must be considered.

The design of a reservoir system is analyzed by discussing: (a) The method of operation to be selected; (b) testing one method for a specific reservoir; (c) transmission of reservoir reduction to area to be protected, with a detailed analysis of methods of determining valley storage effect; and (d) typical examples of three other methods of storage operation.

The operation of the reservoir for various other purposes, such as water power, irrigation, navigation, and water supply combined with flood control is next considered. This is followed by a discussion of the place of the reservoir in a system with other structures.

In conclusion, there is a summary of the considerations affecting reservoir control. Although most of the general principles are well known to engineers it is believed the paper serves a useful purpose in correlating and classifying methods and in presenting a number of new angles in the practical problem of determining the possible operation of a reservoir system.