Signs may also need to be erected upstream of the dam to warn canoeists of the dam. The risk of paddlers going over the dam is a significant one that needs to be assessed. Regardless of measures taken to restrict access to the dam itself, there will almost certainly be some activity at the dam site. Any personal injury at the dam will leave the owner liable, which is a cost that should be considered when repairing a dam. High-energy flow of water over the former Rockdale Dam erodes a scour hole.
Water flowing over the top of a dam erodes a scour hole at the base of the dam.
Estimating a cost for this type of potential liability is not easy. The best guideline may be to understand your dam and river system as well as possible to determine how much risk there may be. In this regard, the past may be a good indicator. For example, if you know there have been many accidents at the dam over the past 20 years, then you have evidence of a potential problem and will want to adjust your risk estimate accordingly. Estimating the value of an injury or wrongful death lawsuit may best be accomplished by talking to an attorney in the community.