PLT10 - Dickson Dam Capacity Enhancement: Enhancing Resilience and Safety Through Infrastructure Upgrades

Abstract Description: The enhancement of water management infrastructure is a critical pursuit to maintain safety and resilience, particularly in the face of advancing hydrological conditions. This paper offers a thorough examination of the study and design phases undertaken for the capacity enhancement of Dickson Dam, located on the Red Deer River in Alberta, Canada. Divided into two distinct phases, the project aims to reinforce the dam's ability to manage increased peak discharge values resulting from updated hydrological assessments.

Phase 1 of the project, substantially completed in September 2023, focused on upgrading the Service Spillway Stilling Basin to accommodate higher discharge volumes. he successful completion of this phase has set the foundation for Phase 2, which began construction in October 2024 and is expected to take three years to complete. Phase 2 involves enhancing the capacity of the Auxiliary/Emergency Spillways, raising the crest elevation of the main dam and dikes to accommodate elevated reservoir levels during extreme flood events, and various additional upgrades to enhance overall dam performance.

Through a comprehensive overview of both study and design aspects, this paper explores technical considerations, methodologies, and objectives driving the enhancement project. It discusses the hydrological studies informing design decisions, the engineering solutions proposed to address identified deficiencies, and the anticipated outcomes upon project completion. The paper underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, engineers, and regulatory bodies in ensuring successful execution of the project.
Overall, this paper serves as a valuable reference for professionals seeking to enhance dam capacity while meeting the evolving demands of safety and environmental stewardship in the field of water management infrastructure resilience