Sedimentation and flushing in a reservoir – The Paute Cardenillo dam in Ecuador

Abstract

Flushing is one possible solution to mitigate the impact of reservoir impounding on the sediment balance across a river. It prevents the blockage of safety works (e.g. bottom outlets) and the excessive sediment entrainment in the water withdrawal structures (e.g. power waterways). This study is focused on the morphological changes expected in the Paute River (Ecuador - South America) as a result of the future construction of the Paute ardenillo Dam.