Sarez lake problem: Ensuring long-term safety

Abstract

The main ambiguities related to the Usoi natural dam and the Sarez Lake evolution are described. They are predetermined by insufficient knowledge of the geological structure of the dam and valley slopes and by uncertain seismological conditions of the region. All these uncertainties do not allow to guarantee long-term (decades–centuries) safety of the Sarez Lake without special technical measures aimed to reduce risk of the Usoi dam breach. These laborious and time-consuming measures could be implemented while the situation remains stable. Keywords Sarez Lake