ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The challenge of operating reservoirs that are subject to high levels of sediment input or high volume episodic events involves the need to quickly both restore reservoir capacity and regain operational control of outlets works. Such efforts often must be undertaken in the face of increased broader environmental concerns and requirements. In the study presented here the bed configuration of a reservoir resulted in the conversion of a subaqueous debris flow into a turbidity current that relatively quickly dissipated and deposited its sediment load in the upper-mid reaches of the reservoir thereby greatly reducing the volume of sediment reaching the dams intake structures. The results suggest that it may be possible to either alter or take advantage of the reservoir bed configuration to limit the deposition of a significant portion of the sediment to the upper reaches of a reservoir. Such an operational approach might also reduce clean out costs as well as reducing the environmental impact of sediment removal efforts by allowing reservoirs to be only partially drained to remove sediment that has been constrained to deposit in the upper sections.
