Sinkhole causing concern at dam in Ladysmith

Below is a story from the Leader-Telegram and Associated Press. I found this particularly interesting because of the damage that could occur all along the river if the dam fails. The news stories haven't been very detailed, so it's hard to get a grasp how big the sinkhole is and potential threats it poses. But other stories reported that the river is up 7 feet in Eau Claire because of controlled water release upstrem to relieve pressure on this dam, so  I have to imagine if something went wrong, many people could be affected.


LADYSMITH - The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for residents downstream of the Big Falls Hydro Dam near Ladysmith after a sink hole was developing at the dam.
Xcel Energy Tuesday advised the service that there was potential for a dam failure. The company is keeping a round-the-clock watch on the dam near Ladysmith after a small sinkhole developed in an earthen embankment.

The utility implemented a watch condition for potential dam failure Tuesday as rain fell in western Wisconsin.
Xcel spokeswoman Liz Wolf Green says the sinkhole was discovered in an embankment to the east of the powerhouse.
As a precaution, Xcel is lowering the reservoir 6 inches an hour for 24 hours, to bring the water level down by 12 feet and relieve pressure.
There are no evacuations, the the weather service said a flash flood warning would be issued if dam failure was imminent.
The dam is located on the Flambeau River about seven miles north and east of Ladysmith. The flash flood watch extends from the dam to the Rusk County airport.