Operation of Glen Canyon Dam during 1983 and 1984 and the Repairs of Glen Canyon Spillways (<italic>abstract</italic>)

Cook, Wayne E.; Peterson, Randall V.; ,

Operation of Glen Canyon Dam during 1983 and 1984 and the Repairs of Glen Canyon Spillways (abstract)

by Wayne E. Cook, USBR, Salt Lake City, UT, USA,
Randall V. Peterson, USBR, Salt Lake City, UT, USA,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Steel Structures

Abstract:

The gates at Glen Canyon Dam were closed in the spring of 1963 and the reservoir did not fill until the summer of 1980. The spillways were tested in 1980 with only slight evidence of operational damage. Available technical data indicated that air slots should be installed in the spillways. On June 2, 1983, it became apparent that Lake Powell would fill and the left spillway was opened. Within 3 days significant damage to the spillway was occurring. Operations during 1983 resulted in releases through both spillways, use of the river outlet works to full capacity, and the temporary storage of 1. 5 million acre feet of water in surcharge behind 8 foot flashboards (extensions) installed on the spillway gate. Runoff in 1984 exceeded 1983 and set new records for this century for the Colorado River. Construction activities for spillway repair and operation to accommodate a maximum year runoff tested the technical expertise and management ability of the Department of the Interior.

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