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September 14, 2017

‘Can't confirm. Dark': AP investigation reveals officials couldn't see danger before dam spillway nearly failed

  • Inspectors noted only three of the 56 sensors installed inside the dam when it was built still worked.
    • By MICHAEL R. BLOOD and ELLEN KNICKMEYER
    Associated Press

    Photo by Ken James/California Department of Water Resources [enlarge]
    Kiewit crews are rebuilding the 3,000-foot-long main spillway.

    A towering spillway at the nation's tallest dam was crumbling, and tens of thousands of people were fleeing for their lives. But as darkness fell, state officials realized dealing with the unfolding crisis in Northern California was about to get even worse: They couldn't see.


     
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