In a recent interview with Mark Erickson, a dam inspector, he discusses the complexities of assessing dam safety. Erickson highlights the importance of understanding the history and documentation of dams, as well as conducting thorough inspections to identify potential weaknesses. He emphasizes that it is not as simple as visually inspecting a dam and determining its safety, as there are hidden details that can indicate potential failures.
Erickson also discusses the differences between overtopping and breaching of dams, explaining that overtopping can pose a greater danger due to the increased volume of water released downstream. He shares an example of a dam that overtopped during a severe storm in 2018, demonstrating the challenges that these structures face during extreme weather events.
Overall, Erickson stresses the importance of ensuring that dams are adequately prepared to handle the increasing severity of storms and the potential risks they present. With climate change pushing these structures to their limits, it is crucial to prioritize dam safety measures to prevent disasters.
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Photo credit pbswisconsin.org
