Dam classifications are based on the level of damage that a dam could cause during a failure. Classifications are not based on how much of a risk there is of failure.
Dam Classifications and Conditions
Classification
Definition
High-hazard Dam
A dam that causes severe damage and/or loss of life if it fails.
This type of dam can still be considered high hazard after repairs are made to it.
We oversee 19 high-hazard dams.
Low-hazard Dam
A dam that causes low environmental and financial impacts and no loss of life if it fails.
Studying Conditions
We study dam conditions and determine which structures need to be repaired, replaced, or improved. The overall goal is to make sure dams are safe, operating correctly, and help minimize flooding hazards. Leading up to heavy rainfall, lake water from several City dams are lowered to reduce flooding and keep people safe.
Based on available funding, we identify and prioritize dam repairs and improvements on private property when stormwater issues cause flooding to public streets and impact public safety.
