Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Dams and Levees/Answer Key"

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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- 1. What is a dam? Briefly describe what it does and how it is different from a levee. -->
 
<!-- 1. What is a dam? Briefly describe what it does and how it is different from a levee. -->
 +
Both are barriers that hold back or control the movement of water from one side to the other. A dam is situated across the moving water and a levee is situated parallel to the moving water.
  
 
<!--T:2-->
 
<!--T:2-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- 2. Explain how beavers build dams and why. How do beaver dams affect the environment? How else can dams be created in nature? -->
 
<!-- 2. Explain how beavers build dams and why. How do beaver dams affect the environment? How else can dams be created in nature? -->
 +
A beaver is an excellent dam builder. The reason a beaver builds a dam is so that their home, or lodge, is a safe place. They usually build a dam so that a pond is created. Then they build a lodge in the middle of the pond so that it is safe from predators.
 +
 +
The beaver builds their dam by weaving branches together and then putting mud to seal the dam further so water does not flow through the dam. The beaver gets these branches by cutting down trees with their large sharp teeth. Then they take the small and large branches to the place where they want to build the dam. Beavers are hardworking and won’t stop until they build a dam that will create a pond good enough for their lodge.
 +
 +
Natural dams can also be created by debris getting caught in an obstruction that goes across a river. These tend to be temporary dams, since they will easily fail once the debris is dislodged. Other methods of natural dam formation include glacial deposits from a retreating glacier.
  
 
<!--T:4-->
 
<!--T:4-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- 3. What are the benefits of dams? What are some potentially negative aspects of dams? -->
 
<!-- 3. What are the benefits of dams? What are some potentially negative aspects of dams? -->
 +
Benefits:
 +
* Flood control
 +
* Electric Power production
 +
* Irrigation
 +
* Navigation of boats upriver through locks
 +
* Recreation
 +
 +
Potential Negatives:
 +
* Not allowing sediment to flow down the river.
 +
* Hinders or eliminates the passage of migrating fish.
 +
* Possible catastrophic flooding if a dam fails.
 +
* May affect cultural or historical aspects of the people where a dam is built.
  
 
<!--T:6-->
 
<!--T:6-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- 4. List five materials historically used in constructing a dam embankment. -->
 
<!-- 4. List five materials historically used in constructing a dam embankment. -->
 +
Earth, concrete, stone, masonry and wood.
  
 
<!--T:8-->
 
<!--T:8-->
Line 51: Line 70:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- a. Arch dam -->
 
<!-- a. Arch dam -->
 +
An [[w:Arch_dam|arch dam]] is a concrete that is curved upstream. The pressure of the water against these arch compresses and strengthens the structure.
 +
 +
[[File:Katse Dam.jpg|400px|Katse Dam]]
  
 
<!--T:12-->
 
<!--T:12-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- b. Buttress dam -->
 
<!-- b. Buttress dam -->
 +
A [[w:Buttress_dam|buttress dam]] is a dam with a water tight upstream face that is supported by a series of supports at intervals on the downstream side.
 +
 +
[[File:Barrage de Roselend 2.jpg|400px|Roselend Dam]]
  
 
<!--T:14-->
 
<!--T:14-->
Line 69: Line 94:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- c. Gravity dam -->
 
<!-- c. Gravity dam -->
 +
A [[w:Gravity_dam|gravity dam]] is a dam that is constructed to hold back water by primarily the weight of the dam material alone.
 +
 +
[[File:Willowcr.jpg|400px|Willow creek Dam]]
  
 
<!--T:16-->
 
<!--T:16-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- d. Diversion dam -->
 
<!-- d. Diversion dam -->
 +
A [[w:Diversion_dam|diversion dam]] is a dam that diverts all or a portion of the flow of a river from where it would normally flow.
 +
 +
[[File:Palo Verde Diversion Dam 3.jpg|400px|Palo Verde Diversion Dam]]
  
 
<!--T:18-->
 
<!--T:18-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- e. Hydroelectric dam -->
 
<!-- e. Hydroelectric dam -->
 +
This is a dam that has a generator and turbine installed to produce electricity.
 +
 +
[[File:Peechi Dam 3.jpg|400px|Peechi Dam]]
  
 
<!--T:20-->
 
<!--T:20-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- f. Levee or dike -->
 
<!-- f. Levee or dike -->
 +
A [[w:Levee|levee or dike]] is a structure situated parallel with the flow of water or in low lying coastlines.
 +
 +
[[File:GretnaLevee.jpg|400px|Gretna Levee]]
  
 
<!--T:22-->
 
<!--T:22-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- g. Locks -->
 
<!-- g. Locks -->
 +
A [[w:Lock_(water_navigation)|lock]] is a structure with two or more gates that allow boats to travel past a dam.
 +
 +
[[File:Keiteleen kanava.jpg|400px|A pound lock on the Keitele–Päijänne Canal at Äänekoski in Central Finland]]
  
 
<!--T:24-->
 
<!--T:24-->
Line 114: Line 154:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- h. Low-head dam (weir) -->
 
<!-- h. Low-head dam (weir) -->
 +
A [[w:Weir|low-head dam]] is a relatively short dam (1-15 feet tall) typically concrete and built within a river or stream spanning from bank to bank for the purpose of raising the level of the upstream water, such as for a drinking water intake. The crest of the dam functions as a weir as the water is designed to flow over the dam.
 +
 +
[[File:Tikkurilankoski in April.jpg|400px|A weir on the Tikkurilankoski rapids in Vantaa, Finland]]
  
 
<!--T:26-->
 
<!--T:26-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- i. Run-of-the-river dam -->
 
<!-- i. Run-of-the-river dam -->
 +
A [[w:Run-of-the-river_hydroelectricity|Run-of-the-river dam]] is a hydroelectric dam that has little or no water storage, or reservoir behind it. It is not used for flood control.
 +
 +
[[File:Chief Joseph Dam.jpg|400px|Chief Joseph Dam]]
  
 
<!--T:28-->
 
<!--T:28-->
Line 132: Line 178:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- j. Saddle dam -->
 
<!-- j. Saddle dam -->
 +
A saddle dam is an auxiliary dam constructed to confine the reservoir created by a primary dam either to permit a higher water elevation and storage or to limit the extent of a reservoir.
  
 
<!--T:30-->
 
<!--T:30-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- a. Cut-off trench -->
 
<!-- a. Cut-off trench -->
 +
A deep clay section beneath a dam to keep water from seeping quickly from upstream to downstream.
  
 
<!--T:34-->
 
<!--T:34-->
Line 159: Line 207:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- b. Fish passage/ladder -->
 
<!-- b. Fish passage/ladder -->
 +
A method for fish to swim upstream and negate the harmful impacts of fish migration caused by dams.
  
 
<!--T:36-->
 
<!--T:36-->
Line 168: Line 217:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- c. Rock toe -->
 
<!-- c. Rock toe -->
 +
A large stone (rip-rap) placed on the toe of the downstream side for additional stability and allow seepage without losing fine soil.
  
 
<!--T:38-->
 
<!--T:38-->
Line 177: Line 227:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- d. Spillway -->
 
<!-- d. Spillway -->
 +
A [[w:Spillway|spillway]] is place to allow a controlled release of water over a dam or levee.
 +
 +
[[File:Llyn Brianne spillway.jpg|400px|Llyn Brianne spillway]]
  
 
<!--T:40-->
 
<!--T:40-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- e. Piping -->
 
<!-- e. Piping -->
 +
As water seeps through an earthen dam from upstream to downstream side, it can carry fine particles of soil leaving voids which can allow more water at greater velocity to pass, creating larger voids, etc., until water erosion from inside of the dam causes a failure. Evidence of piping is found by muddy water on the downstream face and should be reported immediately to the owner/authorities.
  
 
<!--T:42-->
 
<!--T:42-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- 7. Explain why someone should consider a low-head dam dangerous and avoid it while canoeing, kayaking or swimming. -->
 
<!-- 7. Explain why someone should consider a low-head dam dangerous and avoid it while canoeing, kayaking or swimming. -->
 +
Low-head dams have the nickname “killing machines” because many drowning deaths have occurred just downstream of these dams. Under the right conditions, water flows over the dam and may appear tranquil on the surface, but beneath the surface strong water currents stay in a circular pattern making it hard to escape as the current can keep pulling a person under water. To make matters worse, the agitated water is often high in oxygen making the water a much lighter density that is very difficult or even impossible for a person to float or swim. A person should not play around a low head dam when water is flowing over the dam.
  
 
<!--T:44-->
 
<!--T:44-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- a. Wildlife -->
 
<!-- a. Wildlife -->
 +
Migration of fish is altered or stopped. Plants and animals that live in the impounded area are removed or relocated.
  
 
<!--T:48-->
 
<!--T:48-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- b. Water quality -->
 
<!-- b. Water quality -->
 +
The impounded area slows the velocity of water and sediment settles out and can clean the downstream water quality. Impounded water may also stagnate allowing algae blooms and other problem issues.
  
 
<!--T:50-->
 
<!--T:50-->
Line 231: Line 288:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- c. Emergency spillway -->
 
<!-- c. Emergency spillway -->
 +
How can unexpected amounts of large water pass the dam without ruining the dam?
  
 
<!--T:52-->
 
<!--T:52-->
 
<noinclude></translate></noinclude>
 
<noinclude></translate></noinclude>
 
{{CloseReq}} <!-- 8c -->
 
{{CloseReq}} <!-- 8c -->
−
 
  
 
{{ansreq|page={{#titleparts:{{PAGENAME}}|2|1}}|num=8d}}
 
{{ansreq|page={{#titleparts:{{PAGENAME}}|2|1}}|num=8d}}
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- d. Emergency action plan -->
 
<!-- d. Emergency action plan -->
 +
What happens if the dam fails? How are affected persons notified and are there ways to mitigate damage?
  
 
<!--T:54-->
 
<!--T:54-->
 
<noinclude></translate></noinclude>
 
<noinclude></translate></noinclude>
 
{{CloseReq}} <!-- 8d -->
 
{{CloseReq}} <!-- 8d -->
−
 
  
 
{{ansreq|page={{#titleparts:{{PAGENAME}}|2|1}}|num=8e}}
 
{{ansreq|page={{#titleparts:{{PAGENAME}}|2|1}}|num=8e}}
Line 251: Line 308:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- e. Safety -->
 
<!-- e. Safety -->
 +
How may sensitive or dangerous areas be protected and/or how can the public be kept safe through construction of fences, slope design, etc.?
  
 
<!--T:56-->
 
<!--T:56-->
Line 260: Line 318:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- f. Geotechnical investigations -->
 
<!-- f. Geotechnical investigations -->
 +
Analysis of soils and bedrock will dictate design of the dam, including size, type, and construction materials.
  
 
<!--T:58-->
 
<!--T:58-->
Line 269: Line 328:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- g. Discharge structure -->
 
<!-- g. Discharge structure -->
 +
Size, shape, and location must consider the design flow rates that the dam is expected to pass in normal operation.
  
 
<!--T:60-->
 
<!--T:60-->
Line 278: Line 338:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- h. Slope stability -->
 
<!-- h. Slope stability -->
 +
The types of soils available to construct a dam are considered so that the least amount of fill is needed yet is not in danger of sloughing off and ruining the integrity of the dam.
  
 
<!--T:62-->
 
<!--T:62-->
Line 287: Line 348:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- i. Hydrology and hydrologic analysis -->
 
<!-- i. Hydrology and hydrologic analysis -->
 +
Historical rainfall and upstream tributaries are modeled to know what the expected flows to the dam reservoir might be.
  
 
<!--T:64-->
 
<!--T:64-->
Line 296: Line 358:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- j. Flow net analysis -->
 
<!-- j. Flow net analysis -->
 +
A model predicting the seepage of water through a dam to ensure that water is not permitted to flow fast and erode the dam from the inside.
  
 
<!--T:66-->
 
<!--T:66-->
Line 305: Line 368:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- k. Permitting -->
 
<!-- k. Permitting -->
 +
Almost all dam design and construction projects are regulated by governmental agencies because of the significant impacts.
  
 
<!--T:68-->
 
<!--T:68-->
Line 315: Line 379:
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- 9. Research or interview an engineer or other expert on dam safety. Have the expert explain the inspection techniques that they use to identify a failing dam. -->
 
<!-- 9. Research or interview an engineer or other expert on dam safety. Have the expert explain the inspection techniques that they use to identify a failing dam. -->
 +
An interview with a Civil or Geotechnical engineer is preferable. If one is not available, the state department of natural resources (or equivalent agencies) have personnel dedicated to this issue. At a minimum, most such agencies have literature for owners of dams on responsibilities and inspection concerns.
 +
 +
Suggested agenda for interview: discuss and understand terms for high-hazard dam, low-hazard dam, design storm, flow net diagrams, emergency overflow, outlet structure, free-board and piping concerns. From this research or interview, understand inspection techniques and how to identify a failing dam.
  
 
<!--T:70-->
 
<!--T:70-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- a. Research and/or visit a fish passage/ladder for a dam structure and design/sketch one for a dam near you. -->
 
<!-- a. Research and/or visit a fish passage/ladder for a dam structure and design/sketch one for a dam near you. -->
 +
* It is important to discuss and practice safety skills with the pathfinder while around the dam with slopes, wet surfaces, and water. Especially be careful of areas just downstream of the dam as these can be deadly.
 +
* Pathfinders will need to take measurements or best guess estimates in locations that they cannot safely measure. Use scaled aerials to assist in horizontal measurements and head-on photography is helpful to compare a known feature that is X-feet tall and other dimensions may be scaled accordingly.
 +
* Research types of fish that are available in local waters and their swimming patterns and capabilities.
 +
* Research types of fish passage and ladders on the internet. Note horizontal and vertical limitations and which features will fit on the subject dam.
 +
* Plan and profile views may be drawn to show location and how the passage may be constructed.
  
 
<!--T:74-->
 
<!--T:74-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- b. Research and/or visit a locks system. Using materials of your choice, construct a model of a lock system with moving parts. -->
 
<!-- b. Research and/or visit a locks system. Using materials of your choice, construct a model of a lock system with moving parts. -->
 +
Note that it says “moving parts,” not “functional system.”
 +
 +
Pathfinders may use LEGO, cardboard/tape or glued plastic. Give them bonus points if they can do this in a wet environment that functions.
  
 
<!--T:76-->
 
<!--T:76-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- 11. Read Daniel 5 and research how Darius the Mede captured Babylon. Find two other places in the Bible where dams or the control of water are mentioned. -->
 
<!-- 11. Read Daniel 5 and research how Darius the Mede captured Babylon. Find two other places in the Bible where dams or the control of water are mentioned. -->
 +
You can read chapter 5 of Daniel at [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+5&version=NKJV BibleGateway].
 +
 +
Two other places where dams or the control of water are mentioned in the Bible can include:
 +
 +
{{Bible verse
 +
|book = Job
 +
|chapter=28
 +
|verse=11
 +
|version = NKJV
 +
|text =
 +
He dams up the streams from trickling;
 +
What is hidden he brings forth to light.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Bible verse
 +
|book = Nahum
 +
|chapter=2
 +
|verse=6
 +
|version = NKJV
 +
|text =
 +
The gates of the rivers are opened,
 +
And the palace is dissolved.
 +
}}
  
 
<!--T:90-->
 
<!--T:90-->
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</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>
 
<!-- 12. Share a devotional with your Pathfinder club on a spiritual lesson that you learned while studying this honor. -->
 
<!-- 12. Share a devotional with your Pathfinder club on a spiritual lesson that you learned while studying this honor. -->
 +
Perhaps a theme of how God acts as a dam and catches all that life throws at us and lets them pass slowly so that we can manage it.
 +
 +
{{Bible verse
 +
|book = 1 Corinthians
 +
|chapter=10
 +
|verse=13
 +
|version = NKJV
 +
|text = No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.}}
  
 
<!--T:92-->
 
<!--T:92-->

Latest revision as of 15:05, 8 April 2024

Other languages:
English • ‎español
Dams and Levees

Skill Level

2

Year

2024

Version

22.11.2024

Approval authority

North American Division

Dams and Levees AY Honor.png
Dams and Levees
Arts, Crafts and Hobbies
Skill Level
123
Approval authority
North American Division
Year of Introduction
2024
See also
Artisan Master Award



1

What is a dam? Briefly describe what it does and how it is different from a levee.


Both are barriers that hold back or control the movement of water from one side to the other. A dam is situated across the moving water and a levee is situated parallel to the moving water.



2

Explain how beavers build dams and why. How do beaver dams affect the environment? How else can dams be created in nature?


A beaver is an excellent dam builder. The reason a beaver builds a dam is so that their home, or lodge, is a safe place. They usually build a dam so that a pond is created. Then they build a lodge in the middle of the pond so that it is safe from predators.

The beaver builds their dam by weaving branches together and then putting mud to seal the dam further so water does not flow through the dam. The beaver gets these branches by cutting down trees with their large sharp teeth. Then they take the small and large branches to the place where they want to build the dam. Beavers are hardworking and won’t stop until they build a dam that will create a pond good enough for their lodge.

Natural dams can also be created by debris getting caught in an obstruction that goes across a river. These tend to be temporary dams, since they will easily fail once the debris is dislodged. Other methods of natural dam formation include glacial deposits from a retreating glacier.



3

What are the benefits of dams? What are some potentially negative aspects of dams?


Benefits:

  • Flood control
  • Electric Power production
  • Irrigation
  • Navigation of boats upriver through locks
  • Recreation

Potential Negatives:

  • Not allowing sediment to flow down the river.
  • Hinders or eliminates the passage of migrating fish.
  • Possible catastrophic flooding if a dam fails.
  • May affect cultural or historical aspects of the people where a dam is built.



4

List five materials historically used in constructing a dam embankment.


Earth, concrete, stone, masonry and wood.



5

From pictures, identify the following structures and explain their features and application:



5a

Arch dam


An arch dam is a concrete that is curved upstream. The pressure of the water against these arch compresses and strengthens the structure.

Katse Dam



5b

Buttress dam


A buttress dam is a dam with a water tight upstream face that is supported by a series of supports at intervals on the downstream side.

Roselend Dam



5c

Gravity dam


A gravity dam is a dam that is constructed to hold back water by primarily the weight of the dam material alone.

Willow creek Dam



5d

Diversion dam


A diversion dam is a dam that diverts all or a portion of the flow of a river from where it would normally flow.

Palo Verde Diversion Dam



5e

Hydroelectric dam


This is a dam that has a generator and turbine installed to produce electricity.

Peechi Dam



5f

Levee or dike


A levee or dike is a structure situated parallel with the flow of water or in low lying coastlines.

Gretna Levee



5g

Locks


A lock is a structure with two or more gates that allow boats to travel past a dam.

A pound lock on the Keitele–Päijänne Canal at Äänekoski in Central Finland



5h

Low-head dam (weir)


A low-head dam is a relatively short dam (1-15 feet tall) typically concrete and built within a river or stream spanning from bank to bank for the purpose of raising the level of the upstream water, such as for a drinking water intake. The crest of the dam functions as a weir as the water is designed to flow over the dam.

A weir on the Tikkurilankoski rapids in Vantaa, Finland



5i

Run-of-the-river dam


A Run-of-the-river dam is a hydroelectric dam that has little or no water storage, or reservoir behind it. It is not used for flood control.

Chief Joseph Dam



5j

Saddle dam


A saddle dam is an auxiliary dam constructed to confine the reservoir created by a primary dam either to permit a higher water elevation and storage or to limit the extent of a reservoir.




6

Know the following terms to be able to explain it to someone unfamiliar with dams and levees:



6a

Cut-off trench


A deep clay section beneath a dam to keep water from seeping quickly from upstream to downstream.



6b

Fish passage/ladder


A method for fish to swim upstream and negate the harmful impacts of fish migration caused by dams.



6c

Rock toe


A large stone (rip-rap) placed on the toe of the downstream side for additional stability and allow seepage without losing fine soil.



6d

Spillway


A spillway is place to allow a controlled release of water over a dam or levee.

Llyn Brianne spillway



6e

Piping


As water seeps through an earthen dam from upstream to downstream side, it can carry fine particles of soil leaving voids which can allow more water at greater velocity to pass, creating larger voids, etc., until water erosion from inside of the dam causes a failure. Evidence of piping is found by muddy water on the downstream face and should be reported immediately to the owner/authorities.




7

Explain why someone should consider a low-head dam dangerous and avoid it while canoeing, kayaking or swimming.


Low-head dams have the nickname “killing machines” because many drowning deaths have occurred just downstream of these dams. Under the right conditions, water flows over the dam and may appear tranquil on the surface, but beneath the surface strong water currents stay in a circular pattern making it hard to escape as the current can keep pulling a person under water. To make matters worse, the agitated water is often high in oxygen making the water a much lighter density that is very difficult or even impossible for a person to float or swim. A person should not play around a low head dam when water is flowing over the dam.



8

Dams are complicated structures. How do the following issues affect the consideration, design or construction of a dam?



8a

Wildlife


Migration of fish is altered or stopped. Plants and animals that live in the impounded area are removed or relocated.



8b

Water quality


The impounded area slows the velocity of water and sediment settles out and can clean the downstream water quality. Impounded water may also stagnate allowing algae blooms and other problem issues.



8c

Emergency spillway


How can unexpected amounts of large water pass the dam without ruining the dam?



8d

Emergency action plan


What happens if the dam fails? How are affected persons notified and are there ways to mitigate damage?



8e

Safety


How may sensitive or dangerous areas be protected and/or how can the public be kept safe through construction of fences, slope design, etc.?



8f

Geotechnical investigations


Analysis of soils and bedrock will dictate design of the dam, including size, type, and construction materials.



8g

Discharge structure


Size, shape, and location must consider the design flow rates that the dam is expected to pass in normal operation.



8h

Slope stability


The types of soils available to construct a dam are considered so that the least amount of fill is needed yet is not in danger of sloughing off and ruining the integrity of the dam.



8i

Hydrology and hydrologic analysis


Historical rainfall and upstream tributaries are modeled to know what the expected flows to the dam reservoir might be.



8j

Flow net analysis


A model predicting the seepage of water through a dam to ensure that water is not permitted to flow fast and erode the dam from the inside.



8k

Permitting


Almost all dam design and construction projects are regulated by governmental agencies because of the significant impacts.




9

Research or interview an engineer or other expert on dam safety. Have the expert explain the inspection techniques that they use to identify a failing dam.


An interview with a Civil or Geotechnical engineer is preferable. If one is not available, the state department of natural resources (or equivalent agencies) have personnel dedicated to this issue. At a minimum, most such agencies have literature for owners of dams on responsibilities and inspection concerns.

Suggested agenda for interview: discuss and understand terms for high-hazard dam, low-hazard dam, design storm, flow net diagrams, emergency overflow, outlet structure, free-board and piping concerns. From this research or interview, understand inspection techniques and how to identify a failing dam.



10

Do one of the following:



10a

Research and/or visit a fish passage/ladder for a dam structure and design/sketch one for a dam near you.


  • It is important to discuss and practice safety skills with the pathfinder while around the dam with slopes, wet surfaces, and water. Especially be careful of areas just downstream of the dam as these can be deadly.
  • Pathfinders will need to take measurements or best guess estimates in locations that they cannot safely measure. Use scaled aerials to assist in horizontal measurements and head-on photography is helpful to compare a known feature that is X-feet tall and other dimensions may be scaled accordingly.
  • Research types of fish that are available in local waters and their swimming patterns and capabilities.
  • Research types of fish passage and ladders on the internet. Note horizontal and vertical limitations and which features will fit on the subject dam.
  • Plan and profile views may be drawn to show location and how the passage may be constructed.



10b

Research and/or visit a locks system. Using materials of your choice, construct a model of a lock system with moving parts.


Note that it says “moving parts,” not “functional system.”

Pathfinders may use LEGO, cardboard/tape or glued plastic. Give them bonus points if they can do this in a wet environment that functions.



10c

Using contour maps, design a dam for a local stream and do/answer the following:



10ci

Draw a plan view and cross section(s) of your dam showing spillway, emergency spillway, crest, slope angles, toe of slopes, normal high-water elevation and other pertinent features.




10cii

What type of dam did you select and why?




10ciii

What is the Hydraulic Head of your dam?




10civ

Outline the limits of the watershed that is tributary to your dam.




10cv

How large (surface area and volume) of a reservoir will be impounded by your dam?






11

Read Daniel 5 and research how Darius the Mede captured Babylon. Find two other places in the Bible where dams or the control of water are mentioned.


You can read chapter 5 of Daniel at BibleGateway.

Two other places where dams or the control of water are mentioned in the Bible can include:



He dams up the streams from trickling; What is hidden he brings forth to light.
— Job 28:11 (NKJV)



The gates of the rivers are opened, And the palace is dissolved.
— Nahum 2:6 (NKJV)



12

Share a devotional with your Pathfinder club on a spiritual lesson that you learned while studying this honor.


Perhaps a theme of how God acts as a dam and catches all that life throws at us and lets them pass slowly so that we can manage it.



No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
— 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)



References

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