Large reservoirs provide multiple benefits for water supply and downstream flood reduction. Weather and climate forecasts play a critical role in reservoir operations during extreme events to optimize reservoir storage and reduce downstream flooding. The practice of using forecasts to mitigate downstream flooding is well established and reservoir operators fully consider that information while managing releases through the dam.
Reservoir operators are balancing multiple requirements, reducing downstream flooding, ensuring water supply, increasing water availability, maximizing power generation and, keeping the dam safe. Extreme and remote events challenge both forecaster and operators to quickly determine how to manage designated flood storage and preventing failure of the dam, which include: early releases, increasing spillway releases, and storing water. Incorrect forecasts can magnify the impacts to any one requirement. Interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary to understand the accuracy of the forecasts and improve lead time to optimize operational flood management releases and preventing dam failure.
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