Are you asking how deep the big hole is? Is it an example of the leaching from behind as seen in the Teton Dam videos? Interesting. Keeping it open would cover that up, wouldn't it?
Was going to say NO, but then took another look at some earlier dam disasters and don't see the brown water and rocks and other debris I'd expect in a failure. Water looks just fine.
Opening a can of worms? We won't know until it's over.
Interesting speculation, though!
Quoting: Crazy Harriet It all seemed so coincidental.
The massive hole AND the lake filling to the tip at the same time.
Prior to that hole, I doubt they were pumping THAT much out. And if they were before that hole was made, they were in crisis mode a LONG time ago. We are just now finding out.
I think it is possible. A small pocket of trapped moisture gaining pressure via a small fissure. Which would dissipate if not for the spillway over top. Naturally by design of earthen dams.
Enough pressure was applied and pop, the water zit burst. Probably weeping very little immediately after.
But then yeah, look at the videos of the spillway busted up. It just looks like more water is rushing into the river then what is let out at the spillway gates.
I could be wrong. I could be right.