Dams Can Play a Big Part in Flood Control

Flooding is a major issue in many parts of the country. Luckily, there are many different ways to prevent or at least lessen the effects of flooding on our communities. Dams, for example, are a great way that communities with lakes and rivers have been able to mitigate flooding. However, sometimes mother nature still takes it toll on the area and the dam has no control. The Lake of the Ozarks recently experienced the wrath of mother nature, despite opening the flood gates just before the holiday weekend.



Bagnell Dam at Lake of the Ozarks


Construction of Bagnell Dam started in 1929, with completion of the dam in 1931. The resulting reservoir is now one of the top recreational Lakes in the country. The main purpose of the dam was for hydro electric power. However, it has several different benefits including recreation, transportation, electrical generation and flood control. Construction of the dam included twelve flood gates, all of which were open this past weekend. While the dam worked hard to mitigate flood damage, many docks were found underwater and the Lake was declared a no wake zone for the first part of the holiday weekend. Take a look at the water levels compared to these docks at the Lake of the Ozarks:


Flood Control


Dams can play a huge role in limiting the extent of flood damages. People have been building dams as a form of flood control for centuries. Seasonal variations and climatic irregularities in flow impede the efficient use of river runoff, with flooding causing problems of catastrophic proportions. Dams used for flood control impound the floodwaters and then either release them under control to the river below the dam or store/divert the water for other uses. Each dam is operated by a specific water control plan that routes water through the river basin without damage. This means lowering the reservoir level to create more storage before the rainy season begins. This typically eliminates flooding. However, in the Lake of the Ozarks' case, the Lake level wasn't low enough to combat the massive amount of rain received just before the holiday weekend this year.

While dams often do a good job of preventing flooding, don't solely rely on them. Sometimes you are going to need additional flood protection and that's where Big Bags USA® comes in handy. By stocking Big Bags USA® Flood Barriers, you have quick and effective flood protection at your fingertips. Contact us today at 800-337-0537 for more information about our innovative flood prevention solutions!

If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.


D.R.I.P.S.
Disaster Relief & Innovative
Protection Systems, LLC
(573) 480-6699

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