The U.S. of Breaking and Broken Dams

New analysis of high-hazard dams reveals the ubiquity, and risks, of the infrastructure challenges facing the United States.

1 minute read

November 12, 2019, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

What's Left of the Spencer Dam on the Niobrara River in Nebraska. | Shutterstock

David A Lieb, Michael Casey, and Michelle Minkoff share news of new analysis by the Associated Press about the state of repair of dams in the United States.

According to the analysis, 1,688 dams at high risk of breaking can be found in 44 states in the nation, as well as Puerto Rico. Many of these dams are located in positions that risks lives in downstream populations if they should fail. The article includes harrowing footage of dams breaking and an interactive map of neglected dams to drive home the point that the risk presented by out-of-repair dams is far from hypothetical.

FULL STORY: Thousands face life-threatening floods from aging dams

Sunday, November 10, 2019 in AP News

Environment Infrastructure United States Dams Crumbling Infrastructure Water Supply Environmental Risk Water Infrastructure Infrastructure Repair Flooding View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.