Siphons when regular releases aren't needed
Message: Siphon systems are an option for reservoirs that don’t make regular releases. Easy to construct and avoid the need for a penetration through the dam.
This central Montana reservoir use was changed from irrigation to recreation. As a result, there was no longer a need to make periodic releases. During rehabilitation, it was decided abandon the outlet and use a siphon. This eliminated the need to have a penetration through the dam and still provided emergency drawdown. Note that siphons have an operational limit depending on elevation and height of the dam.
Note: The content on this page was originally created as part of DamOutletWorks.org (DOWL, 2018). It has subsequently been updated and reformatted as part of the Dam Safety Toolbox.
Revision ID: 4734
Revision Date: 12/02/2022