Why doesn’t the reservoir release floods in advance?

Each reservoir has its own maximum water level. Water can only be released if it exceeds this line. Release of water in advance may cause serious consequences.

Due to the climate in our country, the news every year must include a certain place being flooded, a certain local subway station becoming a water curtain hole, etc. In order to reduce the occurrence of floods, the government has built many reservoirs with flood storage functions. However, when the water in the reservoir exceeds the water level, flood discharge measures must be taken. So why don't the reservoirs discharge floods in advance? Follow me to find out! Details 01

When the reservoir was built, many experts accurately calculated its pressure resistance based on its construction materials, depth, and size, and then gave the maximum water storage capacity of the reservoir. And draw the highest water level. 02

When encountering continuous rainy weather, if the water level has not reached the highest position, water cannot be released easily, because the flood release will have a great impact on the flood release area below. If it becomes a small stream, it will become a river; but if it exceeds this water level, the reservoir is in danger of bursting its embankment, so you must ask your superiors for instructions before releasing water. 03

The famous reservoirs in my country include the Three Gorges Reservoir, Danjiangkou Reservoir, Xin'anjiang Reservoir, Wangying Reservoir, Miyun Reservoir, Shangzhuang Reservoir, Guanting Reservoir, etc.