Discussion of Risk Factors for Triggering of Rockslide Avalanche Dams in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Landslide dams have posed a significant, but subrequent threat to mankind because they usually occur in mountainous areas that are sparsely populated. In tectonically active areas like the Hindu Kush, Pamir, and Himalayan ranges of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, most landslide dams are triggered by earthquakes, although cumulative precipitation has also triggered deep-seated landslides. Usoi Dam (1911) in Tajikistan is presently the highest landslide dam in the world, and is still filling more than 100 years after it formed. The historic Lake Shewa landslide dam in Afghanistan poses a major threat to thousands of people living downstream. Northern Pakistan is also plagued by landslide dams because it is a region of high seismicity with severe seasonal precipitation cycles (monsoons). The partial breaching of the seismically triggered Hattian Bala landslide dam (formed in 2005) and the Attabad landslide dam (formed in 2010) signify the importance of developing viable mitigation techniques because the emergency spillway excavations may not be sufficient to protect the toes of these dams from erosion.

Meeting Name

47th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium (2013: Jun. 23-26, San Francisco, CA)

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Afghanistan; Cumulative Precipitation; Landslide Dam; Mitigation Strategy; Mitigation Techniques; Mountainous Area; Risk Factors; Seasonal Precipitations; Geomechanics; Rock Mechanics, Dam

Geographic Coverage

Pakistan
Afghanistan
Tajikistan

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-1629931180

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2013 American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jun 2013

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