Source: NY Times
The recent flooding from the Oroville Dam in Northern California forced almost 200,000 citizens to evacuate as a result from what environmental groups called a “design flaw” that may impact the dam’s efficiency to adapt to California’s severe weather patterns.
As of late, 2017 has been the rainiest year in California’s history, which is a stark contrast to the state’s five-year drought. More storms are expected to occur until the end of April.
However, according to the National Inventory of Dams, out of the 1,585 dams in California, 17 are in poor condition and 97 are in fair condition. Peter H. Gleick, a founder of the Pacific Institute and an expert on water issues, argues that not enough time or money is being put towards maintaining water infrastructures. The Oroville Dam was constructed in 1968, while most dams are at least fifty years old.
Read full story at: NY Times