Dam Safety Program
In British Columbia, the Water Act has authority over dams and holds dam owners liable for any damage caused by the construction, operation or failure of their dam. The British Columbia Dam Safety Regulation applies to all owners of licensed dams. The function of regulating the licensed dams is carried out by Regional and Victoria Staff. Dams 9 metres or greater are the responsibility of Victoria and dams below 9 metres are a Regional responsibility.
 
Notification to Dam Owners (April 25, 2012)
The River Forecast Centre is anticipating above average spring runoff this year for many regions of British Columbia. For the latest information on the snow pack in your area click on the Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin or go to the River Forecast Centre web site.
In anticipation of the upcoming spring freshet, please ensure your dam is properly operated and maintained to safely discharge any flood flows. Please be aware that all dam owners are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of their dams and are liable for any damages that are caused by them. Here are some basic steps that should be followed:
- Conduct regular surveillance and monitoring.
- Clear the spillway of any blockages. (including temporary flashboards)
- Ensure the low level outlet is maintained and operational.
- Review and exercise your Emergency Preparedness Plan.
- Ensure any inflow diversion structures are maintained and operational.
- Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to lower the reservoir to provide additional storage to reduce downstream flooding.
For dams located on crown land, ensure that the required signs are in place and in good repair.
BC Dam Safety Program Annual Report 2010/11 ( 1.mb)
British Columbia Dam Safety Regulation [includes amendments up to B.C. Reg. 163/2011, November, 30, 2011
The objective of the Regulation is to mitigate loss of life and damage to property and the environment from a dam breach by requiring dam owners to: inspect their dams, undertake proper maintenance, report incidents and take remedial action and ensure that the dams meet current engineering standards
Dam Safety Regulation Information Sheet, March, 27 2012 ( 100kb)
Application of the Dam Safety Regulation
Dam Signage Information Sheet, March 27, 2012 ( 350kb)
Dam Signage Requirements for Dam Owners with Dams on Crown Land. Effective November 30, 2011 a dam owner of a dam located partially or entirely on Crown Land and that has a classification of significant, high, very high or extreme must ensure that there is at all times posted on the land at both ends of the top of the dam a sign that meets the criteria specified in the Regulation
Dam Consequence Classification Conversion Information Sheet, March 27, 2012 ( 150kb)
Dam Failure Consequence Classification Conversion Guideline for dams in British Columbia, BC Reg. 108/2011.
Dam Safety Officers ( 65kb)
Response to the Deputy Solicitor General's recommendations to strengthen the Dam Safety Program and ensure compliance and enforcement:
Rapid Dam Assessment Video clip (Premier's Award Regional Finalist April - 2012
(you-tube 2:28)
Response to Recommendations (October 14, 2010) ( 1.5mb)
Information Bulletin (October 14, 2010)
Deputy Solicitor General's Recommendations:
Review of the Testalinden Dam Failure (July 2010) ( 1.1mb)
Guidelines and Information for Dam Owners:
Dam Safety Review (DSR) Guideline:
A DSR is a comprehensive, formal review carried out in intervals as shown in Schedule 2 of the BC Dam Safety Regulation.
Instructions (145kb) ....HFMM ( 245kb)....Framework ( 1mb)
Legislation:
Check Lists:
Contacts:
Guidelines:
Templates & Lists:
Mapping:
- Dams of British Columbia displayed in iMap BC's Geographic Gateway
- BC Dams
 In Google Earth.
Note: in order to run BC Dam Google Earth program, you must save the file to your computer, you may open the file from the dialogue box which will appear once the download is complete. The latest version of Google Earth is required.
Other B.C. Web Links:
Links to Neighbouring Dam Safety Programs:
State of Washington - Dam Safety
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