A newly developed technology will help USACE better understand the conditions of its levees and their associated flood risks.
The Levee Screening Tool (LST) 2 is a web-based application that quantifies risk estimates based on the likelihood of flood loading, expected performance of the levee under those loads and the potential consequences of a levee breach or overtopping.
The new tool builds upon the LST 1 by incorporating state-of-the-art hydraulic modeling from the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System. This provides more accurate estimates of flood depths, velocities and arrival times should a levee breach occur, giving levee owners an efficient and effective way to prevent fatalities and reduce economic risks.
LST 2 has been used to analyze USACE levees, and the team hopes to soon expand its use to other levees. In addition, its data can be used to assist emergency managers to improve warning and evacuation plans.
The effort has also spurred the development of the Dam Safety Tool, which can be used by federal, state and local agencies to quickly assess risks associated with underperforming dams and inform investment decisions.