Protection of structures of a diversion-canal hydroelectric station from a catastrophic mudflow

Abstract

1. Discharges in mountain rivers during passage of catastrophic mudflows caused by breakthrough of lakes of glacial origin exceed by many times the mean maximum observed discharges of the river (by 8.6 times in the case described). 2. In the case of catastrophic floods greatly exceeding the channel-forming discharges of the river the deflecting embankments in the river channel are not very effective. 3. If the magnitude and time of passage of a catastrophic flood are known beforechand failure of the main hydraulic structures can be avoided by introduction of a weak link (passage in an earth dam) in the composition of the hydro development.