Dam safety
Revelstoke Dam

Dam Safety| Landslide Detection | Wide Remote Area

SqueeSAR® results over the dam and the entire reservoir using ALOS-2 L-band data. Original Data provided by JAXA.

Dams, often located in mountainous and vegetated landscapes prone to natural ground movements, require vigilant monitoring to ensure their safety and the well-being of surrounding communities. In British Columbia, Canada, BC Hydro manages numerous dams, including the Revelstoke Dam (175 m / 575 ft). A collaboration between BC Hydro, BGC Engineering Inc., and TRE ALTAMIRA, with funding from the Canadian Space Agency, has enabled the use of InSAR data to monitor the dam and its reservoir (115 km2 / 44 mi2).

Zoom on one side of the reservoir, where the landslide is clearly visible from SqueeSAR® results. Original Data provided by JAXA.
Time series of a point of the landslide area where the maximum velocity is reached.

The challenge

Identifying and monitoring landslides in vast, remote areas is challenging. InSAR can provide continuous, large-scale monitoring, even in inaccessible locations.

The solution

InSAR data were provided for the dam and its expansive reservoir using the SqueeSAR® algorithm. By analyzing ALOS-2 data, which is an L-band satellite able to penetrate vegetation, our team was able to identify a previously unknown, massive landslide – the St. Cyr Landslide – spanning 5 km2 and moving at a rate of 100 mm per year.

The impact

InSAR not only uncovered a major hazard but also enabled timely intervention. BC Hydro's dam safety team conducted follow-up investigations, confirming the landslide's activity and its potential impact on the dam and nearby Highway 23. Thanks to InSAR, proactive measures could be taken to mitigate the risk.

This successful project highlights the critical role of InSAR in dam safety. The collaboration is ongoing and leverages InSAR’s continuous monitoring capability. This technology is proving to be an invaluable tool for identifying and managing geohazards, ensuring the resilience and longevity of vital infrastructure.