EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso Water is now warning that conditions at Cement Lake Dam are worsening, prompting the utility to move personnel to higher ground and intensify efforts to lower water levels as engineers monitor conditions that could indicate a potential breach.<\/p>\n
EPWater said earlier mitigation efforts reduced some risk, but engineers are now seeing \u201cincreasingly concerning developments\u201d at the site, including slow-rate slope failures, slight embankment movement, and water seepage. <\/p>\n
EPWater said those indicators are consistent with a breach that carries a risk of dam failure.<\/p>\n
Out of an abundance of caution, EPWater relocated all personnel away from the immediate hazard area where a breach could occur. The utility also coordinated with dam experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for additional guidance on mitigation efforts.<\/p>\n
Crews are continuing work to lower water levels in the reservoir to reduce pressure on the dam. EPWater said pumping operations have already removed about 30 inches of water, but current assessments indicate as much as 10 feet may need to be removed to further stabilize conditions. Additional pumping equipment is being deployed.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur crews and contractors are working around the clock to monitor, assess risk, and reduce pressure on the dam,\u201d EPWater President and CEO John Balliew said. \u201cPublic safety is our highest priority.\u201d<\/p>\n
EPWater said it is working closely with the City-County Office of Emergency Management, which has activated its Emergency Operations Center to support response efforts.<\/p>\n
Roadways in the potential impact area remain closed and will continue to be restricted due to the risk of flooding if the dam fails, EPWater said. In the event of a breach, water is expected to inundate the currently closed roadways.<\/p>\n
EPWater said a nearby residential community is on higher ground and homes are not expected to be impacted, but access to and from the area could be affected by flooding.<\/p>\n
EPWater said ongoing actions include continuous monitoring of dam conditions by engineering teams, expanded pumping operations to accelerate water removal, and coordination with emergency management and regional partners.<\/p>\n
Residents were urged not to enter closed areas and to follow posted traffic controls, remain alert for updates from EPWater and local authorities, and follow any instructions issued by emergency management officials.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the El Paso area due to the potential break in the dam. The flood watch is expected to last until Friday evening. <\/p>\n
According to the NWS alert, the area below Cement Lake Dam in west El Paso, including extreme southeastern Dona Ana County and portions of western El Paso County are under the flood watch. <\/p>\n
The alert warns that if the dam breaks, flooding may impact portions of Loop 375, Paisano Drive, and Doniphan Drive. <\/p>\n
This is a developing story, check back for updates. <\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso Water provides update on Cement Lake dam efforts to prevent overflow<\/a><\/p>\n