“Biblical” Mega-Storm Could Cause Dam Failure, $725B in Damage

Scientists are warning that California is due for rain of “biblical” proportions. Known as an ARkStorm, the mega-storm could cause an estimated $725 billion in structure and economic damage, not to mention displacing 1.5 million people.

It’s been more than 150 years since the state has suffered an ARkStorm, but Daniel Swain, a UCLA climate scientist, said data “suggests the chances of seeing another flood of that magnitude over the next 40 years are about 50-50.”

In such an event, runoff from the San Gabriel Mountains could rapidly overwhelm the 60-year-old Whittier Narrows Dam (pictured above). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers believe the three-mile long dam no longer meets the agency’s tolerable-risk guidelines. That’s why the agency has classified the dam as its highest priority nationally, and is seeking $600 million to upgrade it.

Doug Chitwood serves as lead engineer on the Whittier Narrows Dam project. As he recently stood atop the 56-foot-tall dam, he surveyed the homes, schools, and commercial centers about 13 miles south of Los Angeles. “All you see could be underwater,” he warned.

For questions, comments or concerns, please contact Jennifer Duell Popovec