Author(s): D. W. Gilles; N. C. Young; L. J. Weber
Linked Author(s): Daniel Gilles
Keywords: Reservoir; Sedimentation; Operations; Dredging; Flood mitigation
Abstract: Recent increases in rainfall frequency and magnitude have produced extreme flooding in the Midwestern United States, motivating stakeholders to consider repurposing existing flood control reservoirs. Coralville Reservoir, operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, provides protection from annual spring flooding for many agricultural communities. Following devastating floods in 2008, some downstream communities have advocated a shift in focus from seasonal flood control to attenuation of extreme flood events. The present study assesses management alternatives that may increase the ability of Coralville Reservoir to attenuate extreme flood events. Considerations include dredging to increase reservoir capacity, alteration of reservoir operations to increase storage capacity during annual peak flood season, and the influence of continued reservoir sedimentation.
Year: 2011