The role of canals in transferring water and sediment during sediment sluicing operations in reservoirs

Abstract

Pòster presentat al Congress on Industrial and Agricultural Canals. Lleida, 2014

Dams alter the continuity of sediment transport in rivers and, consequently, reservoirs experience siltation worldwide. In this paper we present a case study in which we describe how canals may play an important role in managing sediment sluicing operations in reservoirs. Water and sediment transport were monitored at 5 sections along 60 km of the River Segre downstream the Sant Llorenç de Montgai Dam; while bed mobility and in-channel sediment storage were assessed at 3 sites. Results indicate that canal intakes can be managed to control flow discharge and sediment conveyance. Canals located downstream reservoirs may be also used to reduce ecological impacts on riverbed during sediment sluicing from dams.