Dam Breach Analysis Using the Simplified Dam Break Program

The Simplified Dam Break tool allows for rapid dam breach analysis and inundation floodplain mapping. This tool can be used in lieu of a more complicated model to quickly assess potential impacts of a failure on downstream structures. The tool uses geometry data from the National Inventory of Dams along with empirical equations to calculate breach parameters and breach discharges. The flow is routed downstream based on user-created cross sections. Output from the program includes breach inundation elevations at each cross section which allows for automated floodplain creation in ArcMap GIS software.
This tool is currently being used in a project to prepare inundation mapping for 200 state and locally owned dams in Kentucky. As a part of this project, approximately 40 of the 200 dams will be modeled in more detail using traditional HEC-HMS and unsteady HEC-RAS modeling. This will allow for comparison of output generated by both methods and will aid in determining the limitations of the Simplified Dam Break tool.
This presentation will provide the audience with an overview of the Simplified Dam Break tool and its potential applications. Some of the dams analyzed will be selected and presented as case studies to highlight the tool and its advantages and limitations.