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Optimizing spillway capacity with an estimated distribution of floods

Journal Article · · Water Resour. Res.; (United States)
A model of social cost minimizing spillway capacity for dams is constructed using (1) the estimated distribution of peak flows from historical data, (2) the estimated relationship between spillway capacity and cost, and (3) a characterization of downstream flood damage from dam failure. Net social cost is the sum of construction costs and expected flood damage. This model is applied to data for the Rio Grande River at Embudo, New Mexico. Minimum social cost is attained at a spillway capacity must smaller than that needed to handle a probably maximum flood.
Research Organization:
Carnegie Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA
OSTI ID:
5438599
Journal Information:
Water Resour. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resour. Res.; (United States) Vol. 23:11; ISSN WRERA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English