The spillway incident at Oroville Dam captured the world’s attention in February as pictures and video showed flows over the main and auxiliary spillways and the damage to both structures. Equally compelling was the sight of residents evacuating the downstream area following the evacuation order and the announcement of ‘Imminent Failure of Auxiliary Spillway on Oroville Dam!’ As policy makers, dam safety professionals, and communities look ahead, questions arise as to where do we go from here? What lessons can be learned and translated into improved dam safety practices and support for communities.
