Inundation Mapping of Flood Risks Associated with Dam Failures
This online engineering PDH interactive presentation provides a comprehensive examination of inundation mapping in the context of dam failure risks. It explores the evolution of dam safety programs and legislation in the United States and highlights key federal guidelines for dam breach analysis, flood modeling, and hazard classification. The course details multiple dam breach analysis approaches—event-based, risk-based, and tiered modeling—and demonstrates how these methods are used in flood risk communication, emergency action planning (EAPs), and dam safety prioritization.
Participants will gain an understanding of the various causes of dam failures (including hydrologic, structural, geologic, and human-induced failures) and how these impact downstream communities. The presentation also covers tools and models used to estimate loss of life and economic impacts, including DSO-99-06, LIFESim, and FEMA’s recommended methods for determining Inflow Design Floods (IDFs). Practical insights are provided into dam classification systems, EAP development, risk communication, and regulatory frameworks governing dam safety.
This 1 PDH online interactive presentation is ideal for civil engineers, hydrologists, emergency planners, and professionals involved in infrastructure risk analysis and disaster preparedness. It equips participants with essential knowledge and techniques to analyze dam failure scenarios and enhance public safety through effective inundation mapping.
This continuing education interactive presentation is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- To discuss the causes and consequences of dam failures and their implications for public safety, infrastructure, and emergency planning.
- To understand dam classification systems by size and hazard potential, and how these influence risk assessment and mapping requirements.
- To explore common failure modes of dams — including hydrologic, structural, seismic, and human-influenced — and associated breach dynamics.
- To familiarize with the FEMA guidelines and modeling methodologies used for dam breach analysis and inundation mapping.
- To learn about key factors in event-based vs. risk-based approaches for dam breach studies and how they inform Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
- To gain insights into Federal and State agency roles, historical legislation, and best practices for improving dam safety and public awareness.
Once you finish watching the PDH interactive presentation, you will be redirected to your account to take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of (10) questions to earn 1 PDH credits.
Upon successful completion of the quiz, print your Certificate of Completion instantly. (Note: if you are paying by check or money order, you will be able to print it after we receive your payment.) For your convenience, we will also email it to you. Please note that you can log in to your account at any time to access and print your Certificate of Completion.