Hydraulic Model Study of Arthur R. Bowman Dam Spillway Performance with Proposed Parapet Wall

A 1:24-scale physical hydraulic model of Arthur R. Bowman Dam was studied at the Bureau of Reclamation’s Hydraulics Laboratory. Installation of a 6-ft-high parapet wall on the dam crest has been proposed as part of a flood control alternative at the dam. The model was used to collect rating data to the top of the parapet wall at elevation 3270 ft for both spillway operation and combined spillway and outlet works operation. The model was also used to evaluate the performance of the existing spillway crest structure, spillway chute walls, outlet works, stilling basin, and exit channel during high discharge, low frequency events. Terms: hydraulic modeling, parapet wall, energy dissipation, stilling basin performance, outlet works