Identification, Prioritization, and Risk Reduction: Steep Creek Fans Crossed by Highways in Alberta

K Holm

In the proceedings of: GeoVancouver 2016: 69th Canadian Geotechnical Conference

Session: GEOHAZARDS - I Climate Change Floods & Landslides

ABSTRACT: Heavy rainfall in Alberta, Canada, in June 2013 led to one of s, with estimated damage costs exceeding CDN $6 Billion. Debris flows and debris floods caused highway closures and extensive damages to development on alluvial fans along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Alberta Transportation retained BGC Engineering Inc. (BGC) to inventory debris flow, debris flood, and/or flood hazards sites for provincially-managed highways, prioritize sites for mitigation, and describe typical mitigation options. This paper describes the component of work involving steep creek alluvial fans associated with about 3,400 km of highways, associated roadside facilities and ramps in southwestern Alberta. BGC mapped and assigned hazard ratings to 247 alluvial fans crossed by highways. Statistical analysis of watershed attributes was completed to predict hydrogeomorphic or flood processes on alluvial fans. The fans were rated by risk considering the relative likelihood that an event will occur, impact the highway, and result in highway closure. Site-specific risk control design considerations, options, and approximate costs were also provided for high-priority fans, the results of which were presented on an interactive, searchable web application. This application can be used to support decisions for further assessment and risk reduction planning.

RÉSUMÉ: Les fortes pluies du mois de juin 2013 en Alberta ont provoqué une des catastrophes naturelle les plus coûteuses de s de $CAN. Les coulées de débris et inondations boueuses ont causé la infrastructures bâties sur les cônes alluviaux situés le long du flanc est des Rocheuses canadiennes. Alberta Transportation a retenu BGC Engineering Inc. (BGC) pour dresser un inventaire des coulées de débris, inondation ar le gouvernement provincial afin de sélectionner les sites typiques d'atténuation du risque. Ce alluviaux associés aux 3,400 km - BGC a identifié et cartographié 247 cônes alluviaux interceptés par le réseau autoroutier. Des analyses statistiques de caractéristiques de bassins versants ont été menées afin de prédire les processus hydrogeomorphiques et hydrologiques sur ces cônes alluviaux. Ces cônes alluviaux ont ensuite été classés suivant leur niveau de risque en tenant compte de réduction du risque propre à chaque site, les mesures à prendre pour chacune de ces options ainsi que leur coût approximatif sont détaillés papplication web interactive comprenant une fonction de recherche. Cette application peut servir à justifier la reprise

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Cite this article:
K Holm (2016) Identification, Prioritization, and Risk Reduction: Steep Creek Fans Crossed by Highways in Alberta in GEO2016. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{3664_0708082243,author = K Holm,title = Identification, Prioritization, and Risk Reduction: Steep Creek Fans Crossed by Highways in Alberta,year = 2016}