Mitigation measures preventing floods from landslide dams: analysis of pre- and post-hydrologic conditions upstream a seismic-induced landslide dam in Central Italy

Abstract The design of engineering measures during emergency phases is crucial in mitigating the river flow impacts on landslide dams, avoiding dam breaks and related downstream flooding. Man-made hydraulic facilities represent a possible mitigation strategy for reducing occurrence breaching by diverting inflow. Semi-empirical equations published literature may help define evolution discharge to be diverted into works assuring dam's stability. These approaches need carefully validated with case studies, an important step evaluating accuracy predictive models. work presents discusses pre- post-seismic hydrologic conditions along Nera River gorge focusing role pre-existing anthropic impact Sasso Pizzuto triggered October 30, 2016 earthquake (Central Italy). Considering historical data, upper part catchment has experienced highest values lifetime. discriminant analysis approach hydro-geomorphometric characteristics supported definition critical peak flow, instability. Thanks upstream hydropower bypass, about 80% increase have been underground pipeline built 1928 feed Preci hydroelectric plant (located few kilometers dam). model, developed other landslides worldwide, had good performance managing dam, expanding its validity dams.