2025 Webinar: Practical Applications of Trash Racks and Anti-Vortex Devices

When:  Oct 14, 2025 from 12:00 to 14:00 (ET)
Speaker(s): Dustin Mortensen, P.E., Principal, Water Resources Design, Freese and Nichols, Inc.; Chris Stoner, Engineer VII, Water Resources Design, Freese and Nichols, Inc.

PDH’s: This webinar is eligible for 2 PDH credits

This webinar will cover the effects of vortices, debris, and other issues on spillway hydraulics. Air entering the spillway through a vortex reduces the spillway discharge and increases debris management. Various drop inlet spillway designs developed over the years will be reviewed with the effects of the changes on trash management and vortex formation. Real-world hydraulic performance of trash racks and intakes when subjected to debris, beaver activity, ice, and other environmental challenges will be discussed. The applicability of Section 316(B) of the Clean Water Act for intake and trash rack design will also be discussed. 

Key Takeaways: 
• Recognize the various spillway trash rack and entrance designs and why each was developed.
• Explore challenges to spillways due to heat, ice, debris, rodents, etc.
• Learn about maintenance considerations for trash racks.
• Understand constructability and other advantages or challenges with the various spillway designs.