Masters, Jeff. (2023, January 31) If a Megaflood Strikes California, These Dams Might Be at Risk ” Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved February 12, 2023, https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/01/if-a-megaflood-strikes-california-these-dams-might-be-at-risk/
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains 694 of the nation’s dams. Recent research by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Water Resources showed several California dams that could be at risk if a “megaflood” were to occur. There are about fifteen high-hazard dams in unstable and poor conditions. The potential risk stems from an anomaly of heavy rains and flooding, which can significantly increase precipitation over a short period. The researchers note that while some dams have already taken steps to reduce the risk of flooding, others may require additional measures to mitigate the potential danger.
Many dams in California put a potential danger to citizens because they live in an area with a threatening barrier. Some of these dams do a failsafe as engineers can release water into somewhere, but the consequences are unfortunate. It can lead to the destruction of habitat and menacing runoff. We need to propose a plan to update dams in a way that is prepared for this new climate. As these dams are inspected, the infrastructure isn’t in great shape. It will be complicated and expensive to do so, but the ultimate goal will be rewarding as we won’t see our homes or cities submerged under water.
I also agree that we need to come up with a plan to update dams that are at risk of being destroyed by megafloods, and I also think that this should not just be relegated to California but also the rest of the United States of America. What updates can be made to dams to reduce the risk of destruction?
Where/how did the anomaly of the heavy rains and flooding begin, and since we are able to detect or predict it, what is the best solution to preventing damage? I agree with your take that we need to take immediate action by updating and reinforcing the dams!
It’s scary to think that there are so many dams at risk in California alone. Are there any current plans in place to update these dams that are considered at risk?