5 Dam Risk Assessment and Inspection Strategies for a Changing Landscape

Dam safety is at a critical crossroads. Many structures were built before today’s understanding of seismic loading, hydrologic variability, and long-term material performance. Add in deferred maintenance, increased downstream development, and the effects of changing weather patterns, and it’s clear why a modernized approach is essential.

Rather than reacting to problems as they arise, dam owners are shifting toward resilience-based design and planning—adapting systems, teams, and strategies to better absorb, recover from, and mitigate disruption. 

Hazard classification is based not on the structural safety of the dam itself but on the potential consequences if the dam were to fail. If your dam is reclassified from “low” to “significant” or “high” hazard, regulatory expectations and risk analysis requirements will likely increase. 

Timely repairs were essential at a high hazard dam in Montana after a 2019 inspection revealed a significant increase in concrete deterioration that had been monitored for years. Without corrective action, the worsening condition risked triggering a reservoir restriction that would have impacted the dam’s primary function of supplying water to the city of Butte.

A series of risk workshops uncovered an erosion vulnerability at the toe and abutment of a dam, triggered by overtopping events—an issue that, if left unaddressed, could contribute to dam failure.

An 80-year-old slab and buttress dam in Texas underwent a long-term repair program that empowered internal staff to manage and execute consistent operation and maintenance. Because slab and buttress dams rely heavily on reinforcement for structural integrity, the repair program prioritized addressing reinforcement deterioration to ensure stability and performance.

At a concrete gravity dam constructed in the 1920s, updated seismic hazard estimates doubled, prompting a thorough reevaluation of dam stability. These assessments help identify failure modes and guide targeted updates to the dam and its appurtenances to strengthen performance. In this case, rapid analysis was essential to help the owner determine whether the dam still met regulatory strength and stability requirements under extreme loads, and whether immediate risk reduction measures were necessary.

These five scenarios reflect a broader truth: resilience isn’t just about reacting to change; it’s about planning for it with confidence. With the right strategies—grounded in solid risk analysis, reliable operation and maintenance, and a holistic understanding of the dam and its appurtenances—dam owners can manage risk, meet evolving regulations, and strengthen the infrastructure their communities rely on.

At GFT, we combine deep technical expertise with innovative thinking to help clients tackle complex dam safety challenges head-on. If you’re ready to explore practical, forward-looking solutions for your dam infrastructure, let’s connect. Together, we can strengthen communities through safer, more resilient infrastructure.