Performance of an Inflatable Dam During Extreme Events

Abstract

A Fabridam* placed across Mitchell Creek in Edgecombe and Pitt Counties, N. C. to increase the stream water level depth during drought and provide for flood control during excessive rainfall was observed for three years. One year received below normal rainfall, the next was an extreme drought year during the growing season, and the third year received above normal precipitation. To evaluate the effects of stream water level control during extreme events and to evaluate stream water level control on the water table levels and irrigation water pumped during droughts, measurements of flow past the Fabridam were used. Although there were several extreme rainfall events, the flow depth over the Fabridam never exceeded the two automatic control settings. However, it was necessary on several occasions, due to high water table levels, to lower the automatic stream water level settings to facilitate field drainage. Stream water level control can be effectively utilized to store water underground for crop use, and controlling the stream water level had no adverse effects on downstream flow during a drought.