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View Full Version : Our dam just popped



Robinhood4x4
07-21-2010, 10:02 PM
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/07/21/20100721tempe-town-lake-dam-break-brk21-ON.html


Tempe Town Lake overnight became a bog after one of the four inflatable bladders at the west end of the lake exploded around 9:44 p.m., sending a wall of water into the Salt River bed.

On Wednesday morning swampy patches of earth could be seen in many parts of the lake bed, with standing water in the center.

Tempe spokeswoman Kris Baxter estimated that at least three-quarters of the about 1 billion gallons of water had drained overnight. Officials say the dam breach left some areas of the lake with three feet of water or less; the average lake depth is about 16 feet.


I had no idea they made inflatable dams.

Obi..
07-21-2010, 11:26 PM
Yep..got them here in Alameda Creek/Niles Canyon. Worthless stuff that doesn't do what it needs to for very long. You gotta wonder what's worse, the inflatable crap vs. cement/w-e in the longterm.

paddlenbike
07-22-2010, 07:48 AM
The inflatable dams create a deep enough pool for water diversion or recreation during the applicable season, then they are deflated the remainder of the year for fish passage. I haven't read the article yet so I'm not sure what purpose it serves in Tempe.

4x4mike
07-22-2010, 08:22 AM
Saw this story in the fail thread on Pirate. We have a few here in Northern California and I've always wondered about their durability. I think most are in towns or populated areas but just like a road sign in the middle of a forest they appear to be begging to be shot at.

Erich_870
07-22-2010, 09:20 PM
Ahhh hahahaha :rofl:

Did you guys watch the video? They said the dam burst ONE DAY before construction crews were to start replacing the bladders. The city spokesperson said it was a miraculous timing that it happened the day before so it didn't risk lives or equipment. I think someone decided to make their job easier. Can you say CHA-CHING for the contractor!? It's just a little too convientient that they get to work in a high and dry work site now. :wrenchin:

Erich