Discovery Ridge Dam safety
Discovery Ridge Dam Safety
Addressing the long-term risks of the Discovery Ridge Dam, protecting residents and homes in the community.
Project background
As part of The City’s Pond Maintenance and Dam Safety Programs, engineering and condition assessments were completed on the Discovery Ridge Dam. The assessments showed that a portion of the dam’s embankment had potential slope stability risks and a dam safety review outlined several additional deficiencies.
In 2024 we undertook interim actions to address the known risk, while we develop a long-term plan for the dam, including:
- Clearing debris from the outlet of the pond, to reduce the water level.
- Installing real time pond level monitoring equipment.
- Increasing the frequency of groundwater monitoring in addition to ongoing routine engineering inspections.
- Extending the outlet pipe, permanently lowering the water level.
Did you know?
This body of water was originally created as a water source for agricultural uses when it was created in the 1950s. It is not considered a stormpond as no storm pipes enter the pond and the water source is a natural groundwater spring with small amounts of local overland drainage.
Dam: a barrier constructed for the purpose of storing, diverting, or retaining water. Dams can be created from various materials including concrete, metal, or earth. The dam at Discovery Ridge is created from earth.
Trap Low: a depressed or naturally low area where water pools.
Spillway: a controlled area where excess water can flow out of the trap low when the water level exceeds the safe level.
Project status
Over the past year, the City has worked with independent, third-party consultants to complete analysis of the dam and surrounding area. To remove the risk the dam poses to the community, the dam will be removed and the space will be restored back to a natural condition.
The project is currently in the concept design phase which includes further technical analysis, natural site assessment, and natural space design with a landscape consultant. In recognizing that there will be changes to the space to remove the dam, the habitat restoration component of the project aims to reimagine a natural space that the community can continue to enjoy while meeting the needs of conveying the groundwater spring through the space.
Project timeline
- Dam safety review completed
- Interim actions taken to lower trap low water level
Concept design start
Community information session and information sharing
Concept design complete
Detailed design and regulatory approvals
Construction
Project updates
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For more information about dams in Alberta visit Alberta.ca - About dams