A dam breaks and stream stage is being monitored just below the dam and several kilometers downstream.Which of the following is true?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a dam breaks, the stream stage immediately downstream of the dam will experience a high peak in the hydrograph, while the hydrograph downstream of the dam will have a broader, lower peak due to the attenuation of the flood wave as it travels downstream. Therefore, the downstream hydrograph will show a lower, broader peak than the upstream hydrograph. Option A is incorrect because the upstream hydrograph will show a higher, narrower peak. Option B is incorrect because the peaks in the hydrographs will not be identical in shape due to attenuation. Option D is also incorrect because the dam break will result in a sudden increase in stream discharge which will be reflected in the hydrographs.

A Dam Breaks and Stream Stage Is Being Monitored Just