Dam investigation will look at gate operations
July 29, 2010
The
Des Moines Register is reporting that the investigation into the failure of the Lake Delhi dam will include questions about
whether the gates embedded in the dam were working correctly. Many dams use
sluice gates and
radial gates to manage the upstream and downstream water levels, as well as to manage hydraulic balance on the dam itself. Proper gate design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance all are required to ensure that a dam functions correctly. Damage caused to the backup crest gates at Saylorville Lake this summer means that
repairs will be necessary to bring the reservoir to its full capacity.
last revised July 2010