Authors: Parvaneh Nikrou – The University of Alabama
Title: Low-Complexity, DEM-Based Flood Inundation Modeling for Near Real-Time Dam Failure
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Floods caused by dam operations and failures pose significant risks to lives and property, highlighting the need for fast and accurate flood inundation mapping to support emergency response and preparedness. Conventional hydrodynamic models, such as HEC-RAS, offer accurate simulations but are often computationally intensive, making them less suitable for near real-time applications. This study explores two low-complexity, DEM-based models—OWP HAND-FIM and FLDPLN—that generate rapid flood inundation maps in real-time. Three dam failure scenarios are tested using the Fall River Dam in Kansas as a case study: overtopping failure, normal pool level failure, and maximum dam discharge. The breach hydrograph is estimated using empirical equations, and a simplified analytical equation is used to model discharge attenuation downstream. The modeled flood inundation maps were evaluated based on flood extents and their impact on buildings, and the results were compared with the HEC-RAS model. The low-complexity models proved to be highly effective and more accurate, outperforming traditional models in terms of computational time. These results demonstrate the potential of terrain-based approaches for producing near real-time flood inundation maps, offering a scalable, efficient, and practical alternative to traditional hydrodynamic models.