Lessons Learned | ASDSO Dam Failures and Lessons Learned

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Lesson Learned

The Study of Past Dam Failures and Incidents is Essential for Keeping Today’s Dams Safe.

RiskSafety3

Lesson Learned

The study of past incidents and failures aids in the assessment of existing dams.

WarningTime7

Lesson Learned

Timely warning and rapid public response are critical to saving lives during a dam emergency.

Vegetation7

Lesson Learned

Uncontrolled vegetation on and around dams can hinder inspection and lead to serious structural damage, significant maintenance costs, and possible failure.

Example placement of soil cement upstream slope protection

Lesson Learned

Wind loading can have a significant impact on dam safety.

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Featured Content

DMAD3

Case Study

DMAD Dam (Utah, 1983)

June 23, 1983

• By Everett W. Taylor, P.E.

Background of the Sevier River and the DMAD Dam...

MudPond16

Case Study

Mud Pond & Lake Lee Dams (Massachusetts, 1883 & 1965)

Mill Pond – April 20, 1886; Lake Lee – March 24, 1968

• By Lee Wooten, P.E.

Mud Pond Dam...

Downstream view of the original Tempe Town Lake Dam

Lesson Learned

Seemingly minor problems with instrumentation and dam appurtenances can escalate into major incidents and dam failure.

By Riley Manwaring, P.E.

Dam failures are often remembered by their most visible or dramatic physical consequence, such as an embankment breach, a found...

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