Identifying and testing the probability distribution of earthfill dam breach parameters for probabilistic dam breach modeling

The main goal of this study is to identify the probability distribution earthfill dam breach parameters using a failures database (3861 observations). This work looks fill lack studies observed, an extensive instead empirical models, plausible values, or small databases. It is, expected that will contribute development probabilistic inundation maps deterministic mapping. Four were selected: (i) side slope, (ii) height, (iii) width, and (iv) formation time. To best-fit distributions, correlation analysis was performed comparative undertaken by groups related failure properties such as type, material erodibility, magnitude, mode, others. These steps defined samples with 33–311 observations. results demonstrate might be considered independent each other are affected factors slope mode bottom width shape. case indicated models predominantly produce conservative peak outflow.