Upper Big Bethel Dam Share

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Length of the dam is defined as the length along the top of the dam. This also includes the spillway, powerplant, navigation lock, fish pass, etc., where these form part of the length of the dam. If detached from the dam, these structures should not be included.

Height of the dam is defined as the vertical distance between the lowest point on the crest of the dam and the lowest point in the original streambed.

Structural height of the dam is defined as the vertical distance from the lowest point of the excavated foundation to the top of the dam. Top of dam refers to the parapet wall and not the crest.

Number of cubic feet per second the spillway is capable of discharging when the reservoir is at its maximum designed water surface elevation.

Maximum storage is defined as the total storage space in a reservoir below the maximum attainable water surface elevation, including any surcharge storage.

Normal storage is defined as the total storage space in a reservoir below the normal retention level, including dead and inactive storage and excluding any flood control or surcharge storage. For normally dry flood control dams, the normal storage will be a zero value.

Surface area, in acres, of the impoundment at its normal retention level.

Drainage area of the dam, in square miles, which is defined as the area that drains to a particular point (in this case, the dam) on a river or stream.

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be located in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

An emergency action plan is defined as a plan of action to be taken to reduce the potential for property damage and loss of life in an area affected by a dam failure or large flood.

Inspections are every 5 years.