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aerial image of the Bighorn Reservoir

  • Bureau of Reclamation Research and Development Office

    • 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
    Drought
    Erosion and Shoreline Recession
    Flooding – General
    Multiple or All Hazards
    Water Quality
    Assets
    Agriculture and Food Supply
    Aquatic and Marine Resources
    People
    Water Infrastructure – General
    Sources
    USFWS—U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    Read the Full Case Study

    Organizations

    USFWS—U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

    Relevant Options

    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. Diversify food supply chains to prepare for potential impacts from changing seasons and extreme events. For example, support local food production by promoting new technologies, encouraging farmers to

    Steps to Resilience

    Get Started
    Understand Exposure
    Assess Vulnerability & Risk
    Investigate Options
    Prioritize & Plan
    Take Action
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