Case Study

Pilot Study of Reservoir Sustainability Options: Bighorn Reservoir

As extended droughts and severe flooding become more common, they impact water levels and combined with large amounts of sediment, further impact the amount of water available to stakeholders. Using a sediment wall as a management tool for sediment accumulation will provide insight on sediment accumulation management for all reservoirs, and better address reservoir sedimentation and other stakeholders’ needs.

Location Bighorn Reservoir

Year

2021

Details

Hazards

Erosion and Shoreline Recession

Flooding – General

Multiple or All Hazards

Assets

Agriculture and Food Supply

Aquatic and Marine Resources

Water Infrastructure – General

Follow this link to read the full case study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

Pilot Study of Reservoir Sustainability Options: Bighorn Reservoir

Organizations

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Relevant Options

Promote resilient land management practices, including range management practices that increase water retention. Increased water retention can enhance soil moisture, ground water and healthy ecosystems. Encourage farmers and foresters to research technological opportunities to use water resources more efficiently. Increasing water use efficiency can prevent or alleviate drought impacts. Encourage farmers and foresters to investigate potential backup water supply sources for agriculture (e.g., well vs surface water) in case of a drought.

Steps to Resilience

Understand Exposure

Assess Vulnerability & Risk

Investigate Options

Prioritize & Plan

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