Damn Dam

An event that caught my attention this week was the plight of the community of Oroville, California, home to the tallest dam in the US. Due to heavy rains, the dam has been in peril of failing. Or perhaps more accurately, the dam’s spillway has been in peril of failing due to heavy rains and massive erosion.

I don’t know if I could live in the shadow of a dam, especially in a region prone to violent geological activity. Looking up each morning at that imposing wall of concrete, wondering if today was the day that cracks might form, allowing water to start leaking through.

I am perhaps too influenced by the movie Earthquake, which I experienced as a young teen. Adding to the visual effects, the noise in the theatre was especially jarring, and the seats had been rigged to shake as the chaos started. During the bedlam, I’m sure there was a scene where a dam collapses under the stress, sending a torrent of water crashing tragically onto the town below.

Although residents of Oroville were directed to evacuate, a few had chosen to sit tight. One man interviewed said he had a boat ready in his backyard. Should the dam fail, and rushing water threaten his home, his plan was to jump in his boat and float presumably to safety.

Dams are incredible marvels of engineering. A few years ago, I visited Hoover Dam while on vacation to Las Vegas. Although you’ve likely viewed photos, nothing prepares you for the enormity when you first witness the Dam in person.

A warm day at the Hoover Dam

My visit to Hoover Dam included a guided tour. Traveling deep into the structure, through dimly lit, dank tunnels, I learned about the history of the Dam’s construction, and its importance to the Southwest US economy.

Deep inside the Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam facts:

• Supplies electricity to some 20 million people.
• Took 5 years to construct.
• Extends across the Nevada/Arizona border.
• Constructed using 4.3 million cubic yards of concrete (that’s a lot).
• 2^nd tallest dam in the US (behind the Oroville, California dam).

Given the opportunity, I’d love to work at the Hoover Dam hosting guests and tourists. I’ll be your Dam guide. Does anyone have any Dam questions? I hope to be able to provide some Dam answers. I would NEVER grow old of that.

Dam good food

And lastly, beavers are a resourceful animal, known for their prowess in building dams. I only throw that out there for thought, and in the interest of adding some Canadian content to my story.

Enjoy the remainder of your dam day folks!