Dam, Analysis Modernization of Tools, Applications, Guidance, and Standardization (DAM-TAGS) Project

ABSTRACT ONLY - Scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit (HERU) in Stillwater, Oklahoma in collaboration with ARS Partnership for Data Innovations and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are leading a pilot program focused on utilizing cloud-based technologies that consumes data from sensor networks, specialized instrumentation, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with LiDAR and multi-spectral capabilities, and SARS satellite for the monitoring of small earthen dams with an average height of 11 m. This project is focused on a system approach of bringing a diverse group of scientists and innovators (e.g., engineering, GIS specialists, computer programmers and models, climatologist, hydrologist among others) together through public and private partnerships. The objective of this project is to develop creative, yet feasible solutions to address the challenges brought forth by changing environments and aging infrastructure. Data will be streamed from real-time, continuous monitoring systems to the USDA ARS cloud-based data repository. In addition, historic observation data and other available real-time data from federal and state agencies, academic institutions, and other collaborators will be integrated to allow for the development and deployment of continuously running cloud-based models for forecasting water storage, runoff, reservoir sedimentation, and dam and channel performance. These data will be used for research to achieve a better understanding of soil performance, reservoir response time to climate changes and extreme weather events (droughts and floods), and the impact of urban and agricultural interface for runoff estimates and hydraulic structure (e.g., dams, levees, spillways, grade stabilization structures) performance. End-users like water resources policy makers, planning and design engineers, emergency managers, irrigation district managers, conservationists are the intended target audience of this cloud-based data repository, modeling, and data visualization system. All data, models, dashboards, and other digital tools will be housed within ARS Agricultural Collaborative Research Outcome System (AgCROS) that is continuously developed, maintained, and served out by the USDA ARS PDI. Information will be conveyed through a decision support informatics platform that will connect end-users to experts, outreach materials, models, decision support tools, standard operating procedures, design guidance, and applications. The goal of this project is to allow end-users to make informed decisions to address dam safety and rehabilitation needs including dam operation and maintenance, irrigation management, and real-time water resources management operating procedures.