Concurrent Session 03A: Integrating Risk into the Wyoming Dam Safety Program

Abstract Description: This presentation will describe the process, key tools and initial results associated with integrating risk analysis into the Wyoming State Engineer's Office (Wyoming SEO) dam safety program in 2026. The Wyoming SEO leveraged FEMA funds to initiate Semi Quantitative Risk Assessment (SQRA) risk workshops and prepare (SQRA) reports for several dams in the State of Wyoming. The presentation will demonstrate how SQRA guidelines used by Reclamation and the State of Colorado were used to develop customized templates and tools to facilitate a very efficient and cost effective SQRA process for dams in Wyoming.

Virtual risk workshops were utilized that allowed subject matter experts, Wyoming SEO staff, and the dam owners from across the state to efficiently participate in SQRA workshops. The risk team utilizes the recently developed Wyoming Probable Maximum Precipitation Study tool and USGS tools to update hydrologic and seismic loadings for the dams. Consequences were also evaluated using available tools from other federal dam safety programs. This initial effort really helped the owners and the Wyoming Safety of Dams engineers better understand the overall risks and key risk driving potential failure modes at these high hazard dams.

Steve Jamieson, P.E.

Principal, W.W. Wheeler and Associates, Inc.

Steve Jamieson is a registered professional engineer and the President of W. W. Wheeler & Associates, Inc. in Englewood, Colorado. He has an MS degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado at Denver and a BS degree in civil engineering from Colorado State University. He has more than 34 years of experience in dam engineering, design, construction, operations, and risk assessments. Mr. Jamieson has a unique perspective as a former dam owner and current consultant to numerous dam safety programs. He has prepared, reviewed or tested hundreds of emergency action plans for dams nationwide and has been involved in several dam incidents.