Best Practices Resources Catalog

---

The following table summarizes the best practices documentation that is referenced on this website. It is not an exhaustive list of dam safety technical references, but is intended to provide the best high level guidance that is currently in use. Additional resources can be found on the Training Opportunities and Other Resources pages.

Author	Title	Date
ASCE	Monitoring Dam Performance: Instrumentation and Measurements	2018
DHS	The Risk Management Process: An Interagency Security Committee Standard	2024
DHS	Facility Security Plan: An Interagency Security Committee Guide	2015
FEMA	Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety (FEMA P-93)	2023
FEMA	Model State Dam Safety Program (FEMA P-316)	2022
FEMA	Dam Safety Warning Signs Best Practices (FEMA P-2188)	2021
FEMA	Emergency Operations Planning: Dam Incident Planning Guide (FEMA P-508)	2019
FEMA	Pocket Safety Guide for Dams and Impoundments (FEMA P-911)	2016
FEMA	Evaluation and Monitoring of Seepage and Internal Erosion (FEMA P-1032)	2015
FEMA	Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety Risk Management (FEMA P-1025)	2015
FEMA	Technical Manual: Overtopping Protection for Dams (FEMA P-1015)	2014
FEMA	Emergency Action Planning for Dams (FEMA P-64)	2013
FEMA	Federal Guidelines for Inundation Mapping of Flood Risks Associated with Dam Incidents and Failures (FEMA P-946)	2013
FEMA	Selecting and Accommodating Inflow Design Floods for Dams (FEMA P-94)	2013
FEMA	Filters for Embankment Dams	2011
FEMA	Technical Manual: Outlet Works Energy Dissipators (FEMA P-679)	2010
FEMA	Geotextiles in Embankment Dams (FEMA P-730)	2008
FEMA	Emergency Action Planning for State Regulated High-Hazard Potential Dams (FEMA P-608)	2007
FEMA	Technical Manual: Plastic Pipe Used in Embankment Dams (FEMA P-675)	2007
FEMA	Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Earthquake Analyses and Design of Dams (FEMA P-65)	2005
FEMA	Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA P-484)	2005
FEMA	Technical Manual for Dam Owners: Impacts of Animals on Earthen Dams (FEMA P-473)	2005
FEMA	Technical Manual for Dam Owners: Impacts of Plants on Earthen Dams (FEMA P-534)	2005
FEMA	Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Hazard Potential Classification System for Dams (FEMA P-333)	2004
FEMA	Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Glossary of Terms (FEMA P-148)	2004
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 15- Supporting Technical Information Document	2021
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 11- Arch Dams	2018
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 12- Water Conveyance	2018
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 13- Evaluation of Earthquake Ground Motions	2018
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 14- Dam Safety Performance Monitoring Program	2017
FERC	Risk-Informed Decision Making (RIDM) Interim Policy Guidance	2016
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 3- Gravity Dams	2016
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 1- General Requirements	2015
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 2- Selecting and Accommodating Inflow Design Floods for Dams	2015
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 6- Emergency Action Plans	2015
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 9- Instrumentation and Monitoring	2015
FERC	Security Plan Template	2010
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 4- Embankment Dams	2004
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 8- Determination of the Probable Maximum Flood	2001
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 10- Other Dams	1997
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 7- Construction Quality Control Inspection Program	1993
FERC	Guidelines for Public Safety at Hydropower Projects	1992
FERC	Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 5- Geotechnical Investigations and Studies	1991
ICMM	Tailings Management: Good Practice Guide	2021
ICMM	Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management	2020
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 5 - Streamflow Data	2020
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 4 - Storm Rainfall Depth and Distribution	2019
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 21 - Design Hydrographs	2019
NRCS	Technical Release 210-60: Earth Dams and Reservoirs	2019
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 26 - Gradation Design of Sand and Gravel Filters	2017
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 6 - Stream Reaches and Hydrologic Units	2015
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 50 - Earth Spillway Design	2014
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 51 - Earth Spillway Erosion Model	2014
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 17 - Flood Routing	2014
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 2 - Engineering Geologic Investigations	2012
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 3 - Engineering Classification of Earth Materials	2012
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 4 - Engineering Classification of Rock Materials	2012
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 5 - Engineering Geology Logging, Sampling, and Testing	2012
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 14 - Stage Discharge Relations	2012
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 30 - Groundwater Hydrology and Geology	2010
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 15 - Time of Concentration	2010
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 7 - Hydrologic Soil Groups	2009
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 45 - Filter Diaphragms	2007
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 16 - Hydrographs	2007
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 9 - Hydrologic Soil-Cover Complexes	2004
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 10 - Estimation of Direct Runoff from Storm Rainfall	2004
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 11 - Snowmelt	2004
NRCS	National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 1 - Introduction	1997
NRCS	Technical Release 210-39: Hydraulics of Broad-Crested Spillways	1968
UN	Safety Guidelines and Good Practices for Tailings Management Facilities (ECE 1326665)	2014
USACE	Drilling and Invasive Activities at Dams and Levees (ER 1110-1-1807)	2023
USACE	Design of Hydraulic Steel Structures (ER 1110-2-2107)	2022
USACE	Instrumentation of Embankment Dams and Levees (EM 1110-2-1908)	2020
USACE	Best Practices in Dam and Levee Safety Risk Analysis	2019
USACE	Construction Project Geotechnical and Materials Completion Report for Major USACE Projects	2017
USACE	Strength Design for Reinforced Concrete Hydraulic Structures (EM 1110-2-2104)	2016
USACE	A Guide to Public Alerts and Warnings for Dam and Levee Emergencies (EP 1110-2-17)	2015
USACE	Safety and Health Requirements (EM 385-1-1)	2014
USACE	Dam and Levee Safety: Using Risk-Informed Decision Making	2012
USACE	Safety of Dams: Policy and Procedures (ER 1110-2-1156)	2011
USACE	Demonstration of Remotely Operated Vehicles to Aid Underwater Inspection of Corps of Engineers Navigation Structures (ERDC/CRREL TR-08-15)	2008
USACE	Earthquake Design and Evaluation of Concrete Hydraulic Structures (EM 1110-2-6053)	2007
USACE	Interim Risk Reduction Measures for Dam Safety (EC 1110-2-6064)	2007
USACE	Control and Topographic Surveying (EM 1110-1-1005)	2007
USACE	Stability Analysis of Concrete Structures (EM 1110-2-2100)	2005
USACE	General Design and Construction Considerations for Earth and Rock-Fill Dams (EM 1110-2-2300)	2004
USACE	Slope Stability (EM 1110-2-1902)	2003
USACE	Structural Design and Evaluation of Outlet Works (EM 1110-2-2400)	2003
USACE	Ice Engineering (EM 1110-2-1612)	2002
USACE	Contractor’s Guide to Contract Administration	2002
USACE	Inspection, Evaluation, and Repair of Hydraulic Steel Structures (EM 1110-2-6054)	2001
USACE	Design of Spillway Tainter Gates (EM 1110-2-2702)	2000
USACE	Roller-Compacted Concrete (EM 1110-2-2006)	2000
USACE	Engineering and Design for Civil Works Projects (ER 1110-2-1150)	1999
USACE	Response Spectra and Seismic Analysis for Concrete Hydraulic Structures (EM 1110-2-6050)	1999
USACE	Conduits, Culverts, and Pipes (EM 1110-2-2902)	1998
USACE	Applications of Roller-Compacted Concrete in Rehabilitation and Replacement of Hydraulic Structures (TR REMR-CS-53)	1997
USACE	Hydrologic Engineering Requirements for Reservoirs (EM 1110-2-1420)	1997
USACE	Evaluation and Repair of Concrete Structures (EM 1110-2-2002)	1995
USACE	Geophysical Exploration for Engineering and Environmental Investigations (EM 1110-1-1802)	1995
USACE	Gravity Dam Design (EM 1110-2-2200)	1995
USACE	Chemical Grouting (EM 1110-1-3500)	1995
USACE	Waterstops and Other Preformed Joint Materials for Civil Works Structures (EM 1110-2-2102)	1995
USACE	Rock Foundations (EM 1110-1-2908)	1994
USACE	Seismic Design for Civil Works Buildings (ETL 1110-2-366)	1994
USACE	Standard Practice for Concrete for Civil Works Structures (EM 1110-2-2000)	1994
USACE	Test Quarries and Test Fills (EM 1110-2-2301)	1994
USACE	Arch Dam Design (EM 1110-2-2201)	1994
USACE	Seepage Analysis and Control for Dams (EM 1110-2-1901)	1993
USACE	Hydraulic Design of Spillways (EM 1110-2-1603)	1992
USACE	Settlement Analysis (EM 1110-1-1904)	1990
USACE	A Guide to Effective Contractor Quality Control (CQC) (EP 715-1-2)	1990
USACE	Instrumentation for Concrete Structures (EM 1110-2-4300)	1987
USACE	Sliding Stability for Concrete Structures (ETL 1110-2-256)	1981
USACE	Hydraulic Design of Reservoir Outlet Works (EM 1110-2-1602)	1980
USACE	National Program for Inspection of Non-Federal Dams (EM 1110-2-106)	1980
USACE	Ice Pressure on Engineering Structures (CRREL III-B1b)	1970
USBR	Design Standards No. 14: Appurtenant Structures for Dams (Ch. 3: General Spillway Design Considerations)	2022
USBR	Design Standards No. 14: Appurtenant Structures for Dams (Ch. 4: General Outlet Works Design Considerations)	2022
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 6: Freeboard)	2021
USBR	USA Dam Removal Experience and Planning (ENV-2021-97)	2021
USBR	Best Practices in Dam and Levee Safety Risk Analysis	2019
USBR	Flood Inundation Mapping	2019
USBR	Design Standards No. 12: Plant Testing (Ch. 1: Synchronous Generator, Motor, and Generator/Motor Field Tests)	2018
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 20: Geomembranes)	2018
USBR	Design Standards No. 6: Hydraulic and Mechanical Equipment (Ch. 6: Bulkhead Gates and Stoplogs)	2018
USBR	Dam Removal Analysis Guidelines for Sediment	2017
USBR	Design and Construction Considerations for Hydraulic Structures: Roller-Compacted Concrete, 2nd Edition	2017
USBR	Design Standards No. 6: Hydraulic and Mechanical Equipment (Ch. 18: Engine-Generator Sets)	2017
USBR	Design Standards No. 6: Hydraulic and Mechanical Equipment (Ch. 12: Trashracks and Trashrack Cleaning Devices)	2016
USBR	Design Standards No. 6: Hydraulic and Mechanical Equipment (Ch. 14: Auxiliary Mechanical Systems)	2016
USBR	Design Standards No. 6: Hydraulic and Mechanical Equipment (Ch. 16: Machine Shop Equipment)	2016
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 13: Seismic Analysis and Design)	2015
USBR	Design Standards No. 4: Electrical Infrastructure – Plants and Switchyards (Ch. 3: Plant Machine-Voltage Equipment)	2015
USBR	Guide to Concrete Repair	2015
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 11: Instrumentation and Monitoring)	2014
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 15: Foundation Grouting)	2014
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 16: Cutoff Walls)	2014
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 19: Geotextiles)	2014
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 21: Water Removal and Control: Dewatering and Unwatering Systems)	2014
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 7: Riprap Slope Protection)	2014
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 8: Seepage)	2014
USBR	Design Standards No. 3: Water Conveyance Facilities, Fish Facilities, and Roads and Bridges (Ch. 4: Tunnels, Shafts, and Caverns)	2014
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 17: Soil-Cement Slope Protection)	2013
USBR	Design Standards No. 14: Appurtenant Structures for Dams (Ch. 2: Hydrologic Considerations)	2013
USBR	Design Standards No. 6: Hydraulic and Mechanical Equipment (Ch. 11: Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Systems)	2013
USBR	Design Standards No. 1: General Design Standards	2012
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 10: Embankment Construction)	2012
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 12: Foundation and Earth Materials Investigation)	2012
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 2: Embankment Design)	2012
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 3: Foundation Surface Treatment)	2012
USBR	Design Standards No. 9: Buildings and Other Structures (Ch. 13: Seismic Design)	2012
USBR	Design Standards No. 9: Buildings and Other Structures (Ch. 8: Modification of Existing Buildings)	2012
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 1: General Design Standards)	2011
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 4: Static Stability Analysis)	2011
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 5: Protective Filters)	2011
USBR	Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 9: Static Deformation Analysis)	2011
USBR	Design Standards No. 14: Appurtenant Structures for Dams (Ch. 1: Introduction)	2011
USBR	Water Measurement Manual	2001
USBR	Concrete Manual (Part 2)	1992
USBR	Cavitation in Chutes and Spillways (EM 42)	1990
USBR	Criteria and Guidelines for Evacuating Storage Reservoirs and Sizing Low-Level Outlet Works (ACER TM No. 3)	1990
USBR	Flood Hydrology Manual	1989
USBR	Downstream Hazard Classification Guidelines (ACER TM 11)	1988
USBR	Concrete Manual (Part 1)	1988
USBR	Design of Small Dams	1987
USBR	Hydraulic Design of Stilling Basins and Energy Dissipators (EM 25)	1984
USBR	Design Criteria for Concrete Arch and Gravity Dams (EM 19)	1977
USBR	Design of Arch Dams	1977
USBR	Design of Gravity Dams	1976
USGS	Guidelines for Determining Flood Flow Frequency (Bulletin 17C)	2019
USGS	Frequency Curves	1989
USGS	Measurement of Peak Discharge at Dams by Indirect Method	1968
USGS	Discharge Characteristics of Broad-Crested Weirs (GSC-397)	1967