By Lorri J. Gray, Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region
Last month, many people watched anxiously as communities near California’s Oroville Dam were evacuated due to the threat of potential flooding, wondering if a similar situation could occur elsewhere. Abundant snowpack and precipitation levels have resulted in increased flows in rivers and reservoirs throughout the West. In light of these recent events, I would like to share information about the Bureau of Reclamation’s dam safety program.
Our Regional goal is to meet the increasing water demands of the Pacific Northwest while protecting the environment and the public’s investment. In the Pacific Northwest Region, Reclamation delivers water to over 170 irrigation districts. More than 70 dams and related structures support this water delivery, including Hungry Horse and Como dams.
Our rigorous dam safety program is a model for dam safety worldwide. Our dams undergo annual on-site inspections, and thorough reviews are conducted every four years. These frequent reviews and inspections allow us to accomplish any needed corrective actions on our dams. At Como Dam, local operators monitor water levels and dam performance at least monthly, and more often with high reservoir levels.
In addition, our emergency managers annually review, update, and implement emergency action plans (EAPs) for dams in the region. These EAPs are specifically developed for each facility and are tailored for initiating appropriate actions for different situations that could be encountered. Local irrigation districts, county sheriff departments, and first responders are critical players in annual communication drills along with Reclamation staff. More detailed, functional exercises simulate realistic, potential emergency scenarios and are performed every four years.
These exercises demonstrate our continued commitment to safety and strengthen our relationship with our partners in the local community. For two days in April, representatives from local agencies and Reclamation will participate in an interactive functional exercise at Como Dam, ensuring that emergency procedures and notifications are reviewed and practiced.
Public safety is paramount, including the safe operation and maintenance of our dams and power plants, transmission and distribution lines, and other facilities. I have full confidence in the effectiveness of the integrated emergency procedures that serve to maximize public safety and interagency cooperation. I look forward to continuing collaboration with our partners in the Bitterroot Valley to manage water for the public in a safe and efficient manner.