Information only. Originating with the American Thinker, it sounds like a bit of sensationalism. I have no expertise in engineering or dams or procedure; just interested in the on-going Oroville Dam problem.
American Thinker
“Complete Failure at Oroville Dam”
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/03/complete_failure_at_oroville_dam.html
Thanks.
The takeaway for those that have followed this on the detail threads over the last two years is that this dam had some inherent problems and some poor management created problems.
The sad thing is that a billion or two more is needed to save this massive reservoir in the future.
The Emergency Spillway problems and the Power House problems, that combined made the 2017 emergency merely triggered the Main Spillway deamination. It appears that there are serious problems completely unaddressed and undiscussed with the (a) main gates on the spillway, (b) sensors on the main dam and (c) leakage from settlement on the main dam.
Additionally this dam was designed in an era where the local seismic forces were not as well understood as they are today.
If California had a sensible number of reservoirs for their population, this major reservoir could be taken out of service for five years and rebuilt. However, the environmental stupidity and corruption that has been their constant companion will make none of that possible.
If I lived below this dam, I would take the repair work now as a chance to get out with some value on my property.