Meet the Gold Rush Towns at Risk of Flooding From California Dam
- Evacuation warnings in effect for Butte, Sutter, Yuba counties
- Communities have $1.6 billion in municipal debt outstanding
Water is released down the damaged primary spillway in Oroville on Feb. 14.
Photographer: Michael Short/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
The damage to the spillway of the Oroville Dam puts a spotlight on the northern California communities that once boomed during the Gold Rush and are now at risk of severe flooding.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for Butte, Sutter and Yuba counties, meaning that residents who were allowed to return Tuesday after being ordered to leave on Sunday must be prepared to flee again if necessary.