In just nine and a half minutes, a wall of water as high as 24 feet above Ashland Creek's bed would reach the Main Street Bridge and town's Plaza if Hosler Dam failed. The City Council has approved installation of an alarm system to warn of a dam break.
City officials say a sudden failure of the dam is unlikely.
An early warning system is required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for dams producing electric power. The system will include two sensor arrays, a camera near the dam and warning horns. The dam is in good shape. Twice a year we look at deflection. At no time have we seen anything that required us to do anything or make any changes.