Many dam-related hazards can be avoided by proper geological, geophysical and engineering investigation of future dam location.
In order to assess dangers correctly, the most important things to be taken into account are:
- active tectonic faults;
- landslides and slope stability;
- high permeability of the rock or soil surrounding the dam;
- peak flood flows;
- silting of the reservoir;
- impacts on human settlements;
- negative impacts on river fisheries, forests and wildlife;
Of course, large-scale natural hazards (like earthquakes) cannot be prevented, but it is possible to make provision for the strong vibrations expected through dam design. The same preventive measures can be taken against technological hazards: regular inspections and special monitoring systems.