Transitioning to Multi-Purpose Reservoirs: Advancing Performance With Forecast-Based Pre-Release Operations

This study investigates various operational strategies to enhance flood control in reservoirs, addressing the challenges of balancing flood mitigation and water supply demands in multi-purpose reservoirs. A comprehensive framework is introduced, which includes a pre-release model categorizing reservoirs based on system characteristics and simulates multiple operational scenarios. Using historical data and simulations for 11 reservoirs managed by the USACE Louisville District, the effectiveness of different operational policies is evaluated. Key findings indicate that pre-release operations, particularly with a 72-h lead time, significantly improve reservoir flood control by reducing end-of-flood water levels and shortening the recovery times for design seasonal flood events. A 24-h pre-release policy is identified as a practical solution, offering substantial improvements with low adverse impacts, making it suitable for regular implementation. Additionally, other operational strategies are assessed, and pre-release is suggested as the optimal approach for facilitating the transition of reservoirs from single to multi-purpose functions. This study underscores the importance of integrating flood forecasting with reservoir operational strategies, advocating for the refinement of release policies to account for unique reservoir conditions. These insights provide a foundation for optimizing reservoir operations, contributing to improved flood and water resource management.