WALLA WALLA, Wash. – What does it take to keep a dam safe? For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District the answer goes far beyond replacing concrete and steel. Through continuous training and detailed safety inspections, USACE has created a culture of learning from real-world events to stay prepared for emergencies.
All nine district projects support flood risk management. Mill Creek Dam and Lucky Peak Dam and Lake are earthen dams whose primary function is flood risk management. Built from compacted soil, gravel and other natural materials, earthen dams are at high risk for leaks or uncontrolled seepage if not properly maintained.
Flood risk cannot be eliminated, so active emergency preparedness is critical. The dedicated professionals of the Walla Walla District consistently monitor the dams and are prepared to act quickly and to protect public safety.
“We are looking for anomalies or things that just don’t look right,” said dam safety program manager Alex Hammond. Anomalies, such as increased leakage or muddy water, are early warning signs for maintenance. “We also have areas that we are monitoring over time to look for changes.”
Inspection teams consist of multidisciplinary engineers specializing in hydraulic, geotechnical, structural, mechanical and electrical fields. In addition to routine annual checks, these experts conduct in-depth inspections every five years.
The installation of piezometers gives experts the ability to monitor the dams 24/7 and receive real-time updates remotely. Using this data, they can adjust water pressure or schedule repairs long before an issue threatens the structure or downstream communities.
The Walla Walla District maintains an Emergency Action Plan for each dam, a comprehensive guide to responding to emergencies. The EAP defines emergency levels, maps out potential flood inundation zones and establish communication channels between USACE, external stakeholders, first responders and the public.
“The EAPs are updated every five years by a team composed of an engineer, a water manager, a dam safety expert and personnel from that particular dam,” said Joy O’Neal, a civil engineer with the Walla Walla District. She also conducts EAP training throughout the district. “Based on the Dam Safety Action Classification, or DSAC, a tabletop exercise is conducted with external partners who would be involved with an emergency at the dam.”
Alongside inspections, emergency response training is a core focus for the district. USACE maintains a regular training schedule for project staff and all personnel involved with the district’s Emergency Operations Center.
Every year, O’Neal conducts a drill and seminar at each dam to review its specific EAP. Her team then presents the staff with a realistic scenario, such as high river flows or sudden, uncontrolled seepage. Employees use their EAPs to manage the crisis and minimize damage.
USACE is working to make its flood inundation maps available to the public through the National Inventory of Dams, allowing people to manage their own exposure to risk.
Keeping a dam safe requires more than just strong infrastructure; it demands a commitment to vigilance. The Walla Walla District’s dedication to proactive maintenance, rigorous training and transparent planning ensures that the dams stay operational and the public stay safe.