Damage Evaluation Of The Taum Sauk Reservoir Failure Using LiDAR

Author

• Ronaldo Luna, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
• David J. Wronkiewicz, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
• Paul Rydlund, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
• Gary Krizanich
• David Shaver

Abstract

The Taum Sauk Dam Upper Reservoir located in southeast Missouri failed on December 14, 2005. Two days after the catastrophic failure event an aerial survey were conducted to collect Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. The LiDAR data were interpreted and evaluated to a sub-meter resolution. The data were used to quantify the extent of the damage produced by the water released into a Missouri State Park. Damage consisted of washing out trees, soil, and the reservoir embankment, and scouring the ground to bedrock in places. Additionally, the data also were used in the evaluation of the reservoir damage, which consisted of a 207.3m (680ft) wide breach and scoured slopes. This paper focuses on the multiple uses of LiDAR data to assess damage to natural resources, and hydraulic and geotechnical evaluation of the failure.

Recommended Citation

R. Luna et al., "Damage Evaluation Of The Taum Sauk Reservoir Failure Using LiDAR," Geotechnical Special Publication, no. 157, American Society of Civil Engineers, Sep 2007.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1061/40901(220)5

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Second Department

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0895-0563

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2026 American Society of Civil Engineers, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

06 Sep 2007