I like how they discuss the problem, while repeating the dam is in no danger, while if the achilles heel fails, the dam will be left standing holding back a wall of air.
Wrong...if the spillways had experienced total failure, most of the water behind the dam would still be there...
Even if 'most' was left behind the dam, the predicted top 30' would be a huge disaster.
And once they lose basic integrity the whole thing would likely wash out.
No it wouldn't...I agree that a 30 ft. "wall of water" would be a huge disaster, but none of the structure was ever in danger of failure...sure, it makes for great headlines, finger pointing and idiotic posts, but like you'll see down the road, it's going to come out that the DWR was well aware of what would happen if the water started going over the emergency spillway...hint...it was no secret... and they were also well aware what the inflow was and how fast they could lower the lake through the main spillway if needed...the thing to remember is they (DWR) were presented with the unique and fairly uncommon circumstances of having a full lake, an excess of inflow, and the "PLAUSIBLE" excuse of the damaged portion of the lower apron of the main spillway to potentially justify their decision to slow the flow on the main spillway and "ALLOW" it to flow over the emergency section, knowing full well what would happen...
