Nearly 200,000 people evacuated over fear of dam bursting in California
- 7 years ago
Close to 200,000 people were evacuated to safer grounds over fear that the tallest dam in America could release uncontrolled floodwaters downstream.
According to the National Weather Service the spillway at the Oroville Dam had suffered severe erosion and its failure would result in an uncontrolled release of flood waters from Lake Oroville.
Authorities said the water level behind the dam had dropped easing fears of a catastrophic spill, however with more rain expected on Wednesday and Thursday, officials were rushing to try to fix the damage and further reduce the dam’s water level.
According to the National Weather Service the spillway at the Oroville Dam had suffered severe erosion and its failure would result in an uncontrolled release of flood waters from Lake Oroville.
Authorities said the water level behind the dam had dropped easing fears of a catastrophic spill, however with more rain expected on Wednesday and Thursday, officials were rushing to try to fix the damage and further reduce the dam’s water level.