1. Reservoir sedimentation

2. LAKE MEAD, AZ/NV

4. Reservoir types Flood control Hydropower Flow regulation Recreation
Reservoir water volume fluctuations allow flood attenuation
Hydropower
Flow regulation
Steady release modulates downstream stage
Recreation
Water supply
Spillway sets water balance

5. Sedimentation problems
Sediment reduces storage capacity of reservoir, flood attenuation
Sediment loading threatens dam integrity
Downstream discontinuity of sediment

6. Sediment pathways Coarse sediment forms delta on upstream edge
Coarsest suspended material forms pro-delta wedge
Wash load may settle prior to discharge depending on water residence time

8. Example: Yali Reservoir, Vietnam

9. Q: How much of modern watershed sediment yield is stored in reservoirs instead of being exported to the ocean?

10. Potential solutions