FACT SHEET EXERCISE: Read “The Day the Dam Broke” scenario and prepare a fact sheet based on the information you determine to be most important and relevant.

The Day the Dam Broke Scenario:

Collapse of earthen dam on the Rio Bravo River. Dam was constructed in 1967 for irrigation and recreation. Dam is maintained by Laughlin Water District. Dam is approximately 4 miles northeast of Grass Valley, Colorado. The lake behind the dam was stocked in 1980 with 5,000 yellow perch. Last year a similar dam collapsed near Ripton, Colorado, killing seven anglers.

Break occurred at 2:00 p.m. on May 25 (Memorial Day Weekend). Cause of the collapse is unknown. Water is flowing at the rate of 50,000 cubic feet per second. Many homes are located on the banks of the river, downstream from the dam. The river is world famous for rafting and kayaking. The river also provides critical habitat for the endangered spotted salmon. It will take at least five days to repair the dam. Laughlin Road destroyed where it crosses river about .5 miles downstream from the dam site; road provides access for exclusive High Peak Resort. Tomatoes are the major crop in this area.

Evacuation of New Line Hamlet (population 60), one mile below dam site, called at 1:45 p.m. by Rogue County Sheriff’s office; condition unknown. County Sheriff assisted by Laughlin Volunteer Fire Department, Federal Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado Department of Water Resources, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management have provided 75 employees to assess resource damage and help with flood control measures. So far, agencies have spent $600,000 on emergency efforts.

Unseasonably high temperatures are predicted for the next week, which could cause snow to melt faster than normal and increase the amount of water flowing downstream. Piney Bluff campground is severely damaged by water. Several people camping at the campground when the incident occurred. Four persons with minor injuries at the campground. The rumor is that several people reported fissures in the dam’s face to the Water District last week.

Instructions: Use the fact sheet you just wrote to create a news release. You may refer to the example on page 4.19 in your student workbook. Double space the release; do not make it more than 1 page long.

Send your update to cprescott@control-line.co  and kohara@control-line.co