ASDSO Dam Safety Toolbox

Headcuts in stream can lead to failure

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Message: Address headcuts quickly

A headcut formed downstream of this Montana Dam. The outlet was relocated to the opposite side of the dam, away from the original channel. The discharge from the dam was forced to travel down a new channel, most likely causing the headcut. The dam could have been protected using a grade-control structure, which would have stopped the headcut from progressing.

  • This Montana dam had a large headcut progress to the dam. Photo taken in 2009.

    This Montana dam had a large headcut progress to the dam. Photo taken in 2009.

  • By 2012, the headcut had progressed far enough to erode most of the embankment.

    By 2012, the headcut had progressed far enough to erode most of the embankment.

  • Water discharging from the CMP outlet conduit.

    Water discharging from the CMP outlet conduit.

  • The dam had completely breached in 2014.

    The dam had completely breached in 2014.

  • 1996 (Dam and downstream channel)

    1996 (Dam and downstream channel)

  • 2005

    2005

  • 2006

    2006

  • 2009

    2009

  • 2011

    2011

  • 2014

    2014


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: 4691
Revision Date: 12/02/2022

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