Ever wondered about the hidden dangers lurking in plain sight? Our latest investigation uncovers which California dams are in poor condition and what it means for communities. With over 60 dams deemed unsafe, and dozens posing a high hazard, it’s a wake-up call for our infrastructure. Are you living near one of California’s most vulnerable dams?

California faces a critical challenge concerning the structural integrity and safety of its extensive water infrastructure, with a significant number of dams identified as being in poor condition.

A recent in-depth analysis by the Hearst Television Data Team reveals that over 60 dams across the state are currently classified as being in poor condition. Among these, approximately 40 are further designated as high-hazard dams or extremely high-hazard, meaning their failure could lead to catastrophic consequences.

The implications of a breach in these high-hazard dams are profound, encompassing potential for substantial loss of life, widespread economic disruption, and severe environmental damage. This concern extends to critical areas, including nine dams within KCRA 3’s primary coverage region, emphasizing the localized nature of this statewide issue.

Despite these alarming figures, California’s overall dam safety record presents a complex picture. The state boasts a relatively lower percentage of dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition, around 4%, significantly better than the national average of 8%, positioning it 15th nationwide for lowest percentage of poorly rated dams.

Effective dam inspections are paramount for maintaining safety standards. While a national shortage of dam inspectors remains a pervasive issue, California distinguishes itself by requiring most dams to be inspected annually or biennially, coupled with a more favorable inspector-to-dam ratio compared to many other states.

However, comprehensive data availability remains a hurdle. The National Inventory of Dams (NID), established five decades ago after a series of deadly failures, still lacks condition ratings for about 63% of all dams. Even among high-hazard dams, nearly a quarter are missing this crucial information, highlighting a significant gap in transparency and oversight.

To address this data deficit, the Hearst Television National Investigative Unit and Data Team meticulously gathered the latest inspection records directly from each state. Their analysis, encompassing over 121,000 dams nationwide, aimed to provide the most current status, yet even with direct state data, conditions for many smaller dams remain unknown, stressing the persistent infrastructure risk.

Ultimately, this extensive investigation underscores the ongoing importance of rigorous dam inspections and continuous monitoring to mitigate infrastructure risk and safeguard public safety. Access to comprehensive and up-to-date information is vital for both authorities and the public to understand the true state of California’s vital water infrastructure.