As utilities continue to face growing pressure from aging infrastructure, evolving regulatory requirements, climate-related risks, and workforce transitions, dam safety has never been more important. When CEATI's Dam Safety Program members last gathered, discussions focused on how organizations are strengthening risk-informed decision-making, adapting dam safety programs, and leveraging new technologies to support long-term asset performance and compliance.
The Spring 2026 Dam Safety In-Person General Meeting brought together 65 members representing 38 organizations. Through technical presentations, roundtable discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants explored emerging trends and challenges shaping the future of dam safety. Topics ranged from seismic and hydrologic risk management to asset planning, workforce development, climate impacts, and regulatory processes.
Across the discussions, one theme stood out: successful dam safety programs increasingly depend on balancing risk, resiliency, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset management.
1. Risk-informed decision-making is becoming central to dam safety programs
Many dam owners identified a growing shift toward risk-based approaches, with seismic risk and hydrologic studies emerging as dominant areas of focus. Members discussed the need for practical tools, methodologies, and benchmarking resources to better understand risk, prioritize investments, and support defensible decision-making across dam safety programs.
As organizations seek to improve risk management capabilities, there is increasing interest in developing consistent frameworks that help evaluate asset conditions, assess consequences, and allocate resources effectively. Relevant resources discussed during the meeting included Characterization of Seismic Hazard and Ground Motions for Analysis of Concrete Dams, Utility & Credibility of Numerical Modeling for Seismic Analysis of Concrete Dams, and the DSMM Benchmarking Database Update & Analysis of Member Results.
2. Aging infrastructure is driving asset management and capital planning priorities
Utilities highlighted ongoing challenges associated with aging dam infrastructure and the need to balance long-term reliability, safety, and capital investment priorities. Members discussed approaches for improving asset condition assessment practices, maintenance planning, and lifecycle management strategies to support modernization and risk reduction efforts.
As infrastructure continues to age, organizations are seeking ways to better prioritize investments while maintaining safe and reliable operations. Supporting resources include Best Practices for Assessment of Existing Spillways and Dam Safety Performance Monitoring and Data Management – Best Practices. Members also identified future opportunities for collaboration around maintenance prioritization and long-term asset planning.
3. Workforce transitions are accelerating the need for knowledge transfer and technology adoption
Many organizations are navigating workforce transitions while working to preserve institutional knowledge and prepare the next generation of dam safety professionals. At the same time, members are exploring digital tools, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies that may improve efficiency and strengthen decision-making.
Discussions focused on balancing the value of new technologies with the need to retain critical expertise and operational knowledge. Members emphasized that technology can support dam safety programs, but successful implementation depends on strong organizational knowledge, training, and workforce development.
4. Climate change is reshaping operational and planning considerations
Changing climate conditions and evolving operational demands are creating new challenges for dam owners. Members discussed the impacts of extreme weather events, changing hydrologic conditions, and long-term climate trends on dam and reservoir operations.
Organizations are increasingly focused on understanding how climate-related risks should be incorporated into planning, design, maintenance, and operational decision-making. Related resources include the Climate Change Working Group, Climate-Informed Flood Design for Dam Construction & Maintenance, and Impact of Climate Change on Dam Safety – Energiforsk's Climate Change Framework.
5. Regulatory complexity continues to challenge dam owners
Regulatory compliance remains a significant concern for many utilities, particularly regarding FERC reviews, Part 12 requirements, and the resources required to navigate increasingly complex regulatory processes.
Members discussed the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to better understand regulatory expectations, improve engagement with regulators, and identify practical approaches for meeting compliance requirements. Resources supporting these efforts include the FERC Licensees Working Group, which hosts biannual sessions with FERC representatives and licensees to discuss emerging issues and best practices.
What do these trends mean for dam owners?
The discussions reinforced a clear takeaway: dam safety is becoming increasingly interconnected with risk management, asset management, climate resilience, workforce development, and regulatory compliance. As utilities navigate evolving risks and operational pressures, organizations are seeking integrated approaches that support informed decision-making and long-term infrastructure performance.
While every dam owner faces unique challenges, many of the underlying priorities are shared across the industry. By exchanging lessons learned, collaborating on common issues, and leveraging benchmarking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, organizations can strengthen their dam safety programs and improve long-term outcomes.
CEATI thanks all members and participants for contributing to the Spring 2026 Dam Safety In-Person General Meeting and supporting valuable knowledge exchange across the industry.
Learn more about CEATI's Dam Safety Program here. Interested in joining the conversation? Contact us about membership and join us at the upcoming CEATI Hydropower Conference.
