Changes to dam safety management in British Columbia triggered by failure of a small earth dam

The Testalinden earth dam in southern British Columbia failed in June 2010 and created a huge debris flow. Homes were destroyed and property was damaged. The failure of this small dam resulted in a comprehensive review of over 1000 dams in the province, evaluation of dam safety management practices, changes to the Water Act and improvements in how data on dams are collected, archived and communicated. The provincial dam inventory was re-evaluated to ensure that appropriate consequence classification, and therefore attention, is assigned to dams. Increased scrutiny was placed on dam owners to ensure they complied with dam safety policies and to ensure they submitted annual inspection reports and formal dam safety reviews in a timely manner. Dam owners and professionals engaged in dam safety activities have received new guidelines and better education and training.