3 ms·

I don't understand, can't they slowly empty the lake behind the dam?

• rem1313 10y ago
  The built up water is a form of potential energy and draining it would mean it is wasted.
  • bkbolte 10y ago
    I don't think wasting energy is the major concern in this situation
• gardarh 10y ago
  Well if the official stance is that there is no problem then why should they do that?
  • jokoon 10y ago
    The problem is how long it takes to drain it, and how quick you realize the dam might break and how much time it can take. As the article says, the dam would break very quickly without giving enough warnings.
    • tunap 10y ago
      Millions of people are depending on that water and electricity daily. Even without a violent release, I suspect draining it would bring long-term discomfort/suffering in the form of significant power loss and water shortages. How long would it take to fill back up to usable levels in that desert?