Numerical Modeling for Sediment-Pass-Through Operations of Reservoirs

by Howard H. Chang, San Diego State Univ, San Diego, United States,
Larry L. Harrison, San Diego State Univ, San Diego, United States,
Wing Lee, San Diego State Univ, San Diego, United States,
Scott Tu, San Diego State Univ, San Diego, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

Numerical modeling using the FLUVIAL-12 model was made to determine the feasibility and effectiveness for Sediment-Pass-Through (SPT) operation for Cresta and Rock Creek Reservoirs in California. These reservoirs underwent siltation in recent years that has affected power plant operation. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) plans to modify the dams to allow drawdown of the reservoir levels during SPT operations. For various SPT scenarios, it is assumed that the gates will be operated to maintain a stable sediment balance in the reservoir over the long term. The study shows that SPT operations would be effective when the flood discharge exceeds 20,000 cfs. Through a number of trial runs, the drawdown combinations of these reservoirs for sediment balance were obtained. The modeling results also demonstrate that SPT will not result in sedimentation of fishery habitat or otherwise have adverse effects on the channel.

Subject Headings: Reservoirs | Sediment | Numerical models | Power plants | Mathematical models | Drawdown (hydrology) | Water intakes | California | United States

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