'Dams of this kind often fail': A closer look at what could happen to the barrier lake

Mark PoyntingClimate and science reporter As we’ve been reporting, a barrier lake has formed in the region, where water has been collecting behind a natural dam of loose rock and mud. One possibility is the water could slowly spill over the crest of the dam or seep through the rocks, which would allow the lake to gradually drain away. But the fear is that could also destabilise the dam, potentially causing it to suddenly break apart. This could allow much of the lake water to be released at once