The management of control structures is based on data from monitoring and its interpretation. In the article several examples from Switzerland about monitoring of torrent control structures are shown. The assessment is based on a general concept represented by the terms structural safety, functionality, and durability. Some characteristics of these terms concerning their application to torrent control works are briefly discussed. Finally, the results of the technical assessment are transferred to assess the effectiveness of the protection measures regarding hazard reduction in the potentially endangered settlement areas.