"It is the purpose of this paper...to examine various aspects of the controversy in a semi-technical light, with an attempt to draw a few conclusions based on available data of known value. An actual division of terms -- little dams as against big dams -- generally is determined by location and height of dam coupled with size of reservoir. A "small dam", therefore, is one which might create a reservoir of 50-75 acres or less and is most likely to be constructed of the earth available at its immediate site...Large dams of concrete, rack, or earth, in addition to providing an element of flood control, the only purpose of their smaller counterparts, are usually of the multi-purpose type. That is, they have other reasons for existing, such as for irrigation, for the generation of hydroelectric power, for a reserve of water which can be released into the river channel to assist navigation in times of dry weather, for commercial and municipal water needs, and for recreation...Before a conclusion is reached, the benefits of watershed control measures are analyzed, and some of their limitations are pointed out. The final section contains a breakdown of the advantages of small dams versus large dams treated as separate entities when, as is brought out in the paper, they actually should be employed in a unified system providing the greatest benefit of all." -- Adapted from the Introduction.

Mimeograph copy. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Master of Science in Engineering from Princeton University, 1955.