EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Water says 10 feet of water needs to be removed to stabilize a dam in the Upper Valley that has been threatening to overflow and flood nearby roadways.
According to EPWater, after issuing a warning Thursday night that conditions at Cement Lake were getting worse, overnight crews saw “minimal shifting” during the midnight hours.
However, as of Friday morning, EPWater said it believes that 10 feet of water needs to be removed to stabilize the dam.
Cement lake. Credit: EPWater
RELATED: EPWater warns of possible Cement Lake Dam failure, NWS issues flood watch
The utility company also issued an update detailing what crews are currently doing to handle the threat:
12 pumps are removing water and will continue throughout the day.Engineering teams are monitoring dam conditions.Coordinating with City-County Office of Emergency Management for support.
RELATED: El Paso Water provides update on Cement Lake dam efforts to prevent overflow
EP Water also said that roads in the area, Loop 375, Paisano and Doniphan Drives, will continue to be closed because, in the case of a dam breach, they will be flooded.
Homes in the area look like they won’t be affected as they are situated on higher ground, but the roads that provide access to the neighborhood could be flooded if the dam breaks.
The utility company encourages people to follow road closures, instructions and warnings from emergency crews.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.