"They" say that as of now, the main dam itself is not compromised. However, if the main spillway area becomes too eroded, then, theoretically the main dam might become compromised.
If they have to reduce the output to prevent compromising the main dam while new storms add more input, the emergency spillway will be overflowing again.
The max outflow that is occurring now is already flooding some low areas and putting a lot of stress on many levees. If levees start giving away much property damage will occur even if the dam and the spillways remain secure.
Half of the purpose of a dam is to provide flood control. The minute a dam reaches full capacity, there is no more control.
The news just reported that many of the roads in Butte County are very jammed with vehicles trying to evacuate. It is also a good bet that there are lines at the gas stations as people who constantly run around with their tanks near empty learn a good life lesson.
Last edited by nifty-two-fifty; 02/12/17.
Nifty-250
"If you don't know where you're going, you may wind up somewhere else". Yogi Berra
