RESEARCH INITIATIVES

Oroville Dam “CNA”

ABSTRACT

This study provides feedback on the Department of Water Resource’s “Oroville Dam Comprehensive Needs Assessment,” or DWR CNA for short.  The purpose of the CNA was to “to assess the facilities within the Oroville Dam Complex to identify further dam safety and operational needs.”  This study followed findings from an Independent Forensic Team (IFT) that found a number of ‘lessons to be learned’ following the 2017 Primary Spillway failure in order to achieve the intended degree of safety for not only Oroville Dam, but dams in general.  The feedback in this report is framed from the standpoint of the Oroville Community that was impacted by the consequences associated with the February 7, 2017 failure of the Oroville Dam Primary Spillway, rather than from a technical engineering perspective.

OUTCOMES

Access the “Community Safety” Report Here:

     Report Body Only (no Appendices)

     Report with Appendices

CLIENT

State Senator Jim Nielsen, State Assemblyman James Gallagher & Residents of Butte County

SENIOR PERSONNEL

Dr. Rune Storesund, D.Eng., P.E., G.E., D.FE

Research & Development Program

We aim to align organizations eager to be at the forefront of safe and reliable systems and leading academic researchers from the world’s top universities seeking impactful research opportunities. By bringing together industry leaders and pioneering academics, including talented graduate students, we foster a dynamic and collaborative environment where cutting-edge insights and innovative solutions can be shared and developed.

Participating organizations will gain unparalleled access to experts pushing the boundaries of safety and reliability, benefiting from the latest research findings and practical applications that can be directly implemented to enhance their systems and processes. This synergy not only advances academic research but also provides organizations with actionable strategies and technologies, maximizing the utility and value of their research investments.

A strong collaboration between academic researchers and organizations offers substantial benefits to both parties. For academic researchers, partnering with organizations provides invaluable access to real-world data and practical settings to test and refine their theories, resulting in more robust and applicable research outcomes. These collaborations also bring essential funding opportunities that support extensive and in-depth studies, driving significant advancements in their research fields. Organizations benefit from the cutting-edge insights and evaluations provided by leading academic pioneers. These experts offer a wealth of knowledge and innovative perspectives that help organizations address complex challenges, implement best practices, and maintain a competitive edge in their industries.

The infusion of academic rigor and scientific methodology enhances organizations’ decision-making processes, safety protocols, and overall operational effectiveness, significantly improving both performance and safety. Through these symbiotic relationships, academia and industry can push the boundaries of knowledge and practice, achieving breakthroughs that neither could accomplish alone, thereby maximizing the utility and value of their research investments.

Funding and Collaboration Opportunities

Funding for research is contributed by interested organizations and is managed and distributed by the SafeR3. The allocation of these funds is guided by the SafeR3’s steering committee, comprised of leading reasearchers across the globe, ensuring that resources are directed towards projects with the highest potential impact. This collaborative approach not only advances the frontiers of safety research but also ensures that the findings are grounded in real-world applications, benefiting both the academic community and the participating organizations. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to drive transformative innovations that will significantly enhance safety and reliability across industries.