I am still getting details on this, but apparently, there is a 20-ft crest moving down the black river just south of here.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/12/14/dam.collapse.ap/index.html

I have also heard rumors that the clearwater lake dam has been under repair for 10+ years because of it being weak. Apparently there is a chance that it could fail as well when the surge hits it.

I was just about to post this...yeah, that is crazy. And Clearwater Dam has been investigated for the possibility failure (all large dams get regular inspections). It is an earthen dam, but the Taum Sauk Lake is pretty small..

Is it a god damn?

not its a regular dam, not a god damn

yea, i live close to clearwater dam and they have been "preparing" for repairs on it for about two years i think... never got around to actually doing much of anything despite the fact that lots of people live in areas that would be flooded if it broke. the dam was designed to last for ~50 years (if i remember correctly) and it's been in use longer than that. i hope it will hold up though or i'll have to go the long way home when i go tomorrow...

Clearwater Lake is only expected to rise six feet. The dam will be fine.

I lived in Lesterville until 6th grade - kinda weird to see all those people I know on TV. Hopefully it won't cause too much damage and the children hurt at Johnson's Shut-Ins will make it.

Oh, and Taum Sauk Dam itself didn't break. The upper reservoir was the one that had the breach (the dam is on the lower reservoir).