Hydropower emergency planning requires more than understanding a single “worst-case” scenario. In a recent episode of the Energy Central Podcast, Chris Goodell joined Priya Jain and Eric Toth of East Bay Municipal Utility District to discuss how probabilistic dam-breach inundation mapping is helping utilities better understand uncertainty and improve emergency preparedness.

The conversation explores how advanced hydraulic modeling and probabilistic analysis can provide emergency managers, first responders, and utility operators with a more complete picture of potential dam-breach impacts. By evaluating thousands of possible scenarios rather than relying on a single deterministic outcome, project teams can better inform evacuation planning, risk communication, and emergency response strategies when public safety is at stake.

Using a real-world case study, the podcast highlights how embracing uncertainty can lead to stronger planning decisions, clearer communication with downstream communities, and more resilient infrastructure management.

Listen to the full podcast here: The Modeling Breakthrough Changing Emergency Preparedness