CS24B - Concurrent Session 24: What We Have Here is a Failure to Communicate: The Secret to Dam Modeling Success - Let's Discuss!

Let’s be honest, dam computer models are fun to work on. They are like video games with dirt and water, math and science. So there is a tendency to jump in before thoroughly planning a strategy.... both a modeling strategy AND a communication strategy. It is Ready, Fire, Aim.

A good modeling strategy should paint a clear picture of the path forward, lay out the loading conditions, calibration approach, obstacles, considerations, data sources etc. A good communication strategy must tell the same clear story, except without jargon. Even when dealing with knowledgeable regulators and owners, the successful modeler needs to justify the reasons for undertaking an often expensive and time-consuming endeavor.... in advance. This all seems like good common sense. However, this is not being done in the dam safety community. Talk to any dam safety regulator and they will tell stories of the poorly strategized and communicated model that leaves them with more questions than answers.

In this 90-minute Soap Box session, we will first hear from 2-3 "Seasoned Professionals" that will clearly lay out what they see as the problem in the industry. Then, we will hear from 4 Young but Professional and experienced modelers with their innovative solutions for advance communication of modeling strategies. Each Young Professional will also point out key items that must be determined (and communicated), pre and post modeling, for each of the main modeling areas (seepage/stability, hydraulics/dam breach modeling and hydrology/runoff modeling). This discussion will be followed by 20 minutes of “Audience Reverse Q & A” (i.e. questions for the audience and panel).