National Dam Safety Program Publications

The National Dam Safety Program provides a variety of publications, including:

  • Research Needs Workshop Reports
  • Technical Manuals, Guides and Reports
  • Technical Advisories
  • Safety Series Fact Sheets
  • Response and Recovery (R&R) Dam Response Operations Matrices
  • Dam Safety & Risk MAP/Flood Mapping Studies Fact Sheet Series
  • DSS-WISE Fact Sheets
  • FEMA P-1015, Technical Manual: Overtopping Protection for Dams (ZIP, 410MB)

Search for Dam Safety Publications

Search for documents below, or view our pages on Federal Guidelines, National Dam Safety Program Information, Resources for the General Public, or Resources for States.

You can order publications from the FEMA Distribution Center.

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The National Dam Safety Program Research Needs Workshop: Seepage through Embankment Dams (Text Version) (FEMA 535)

Text Version: This workshop report documents expert consideration of (1) potential seepage problems and solutions associated with penetrations through embankment dams, e.g., outlet works conduits; (2) filter design criteria and observed performance; (3) inspection of dams for detection of seepage problems, failure modes associated with seepage and internal erosion, and analysis of risks associated with seepage and internal erosion; (4) investigation of seepage problems and concerns at dams, including the use of geophysical techniques, and instrumentation and measurements for evaluation of seepage performance; (5) remediation of seepage problems through cutoff, reduction of flow, and collection and control of seepage, including the use of geosynthetics; and (6) impacts of the aging of seepage control and collection system components on seepage performance.

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The National Dam Safety Program Research Needs Workshop: Spillway Gates (FEMA 537)

One of the outcomes of the Folsom tainter gate failure was the recognition of the need to revisit the issues related to gate performance and safety. This workshop report documents lessons learned from the Folsom tainter gate failure and applies those lessons across the broad spectrum of spillway gates. The report provides recommendations for future action and serves as a reference for regulatory agencies as they refine their requirements in this area.

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The National Dam Safety Program: 25 Years of Excellence (FEMA L-262)

FEMA has provided leadership of the National Dam Safety Program for over 25 years. This brochure provides the general public with an overview of FEMA’s role as lead agency and the responsibilities of the federal agencies that own, regulate, operate, and maintain dams. The brochure also describes the benefits of dams, including irrigation, electric power generation, flood control, and water storage.

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Tips, Tricks, and Tools to Communicate Dam Risk | Preston Wilson - FEMA

2019 NDSP Technical Seminar Presentation

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TVA Water Risk Management: Past, Present and Future | Curt Jawdy

2020 NDSP Technical Seminar Presentation
TVA Water Risk Management: Past, Present and Future | Curt Jawdy

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Updated National Inventory of Dams

National Dam Safety Program | Becky Ragon

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USACE Tools and Approaches for Building Climate Preparedness and Resilience: National and Regional Applications | Chris Frans

2020 NDSP Technical Seminar Presentation
USACE Tools and Approaches for Building Climate Preparedness and Resilience: National and Regional Applications | Chris Frans

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USF&WS Screening Level Risk Assessment & Screening Level Hazard Assessment Programs | Steve Jamieson

2020 NDSP Technical Seminar Presentation
USF&WS Screening Level Risk Assessment & Screening Level Hazard Assessment Programs | Steve Jamieson

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