This is what an Earthen Embankment Dam is supposed to look like
This could be a picture of any larger town along the Erie Canal, there are dams on both sides of the canal here. Look at the embankments, the water level and the houses below that would be swept away if this dam breached. But this is a picture of a safe dam, one with grass covering and the required vegetation free zone.
This is what it takes to clear off an Earthen Dam
It's important to know that there have been many leaks and subsequently large repairs made to The Erie Canal over the years. The Canal Corporation has had a continual battle with keeping the water where it is supposed to be, as you will see from these links to news articles and and broadcasts.
Leaks are found on a daily basis, and tagged then monitored carefully. It's the ongoing nature of earthen embankment dams.
Repairs completed on aqueduct along Erie Canal in DeWitt
Posted Jul 17, 2012
Officials look for ways to plug 12-foot breach in Old Erie Canal in DeWitt
Posted Jun 09, 2012
Annual drainage allows maintenance of the Erie Canal
Nov 27 1014
Aqueduct Liner Installation 2013
New leak scuttles plan to reopen Erie Canal
Culvert leak prompts canal closure
June 17 2016
Repairs will cause part of Erie Canal to close
Jun 2016
Portion of Erie Canal Closed to Repair a Leak
June 28 2016
Canal Break
1912
Here's an interesting video of a dam collapse
(In the UK)
Video showing the complete cycle of the repairs of a breached dam.
(In the UK)
To be continued!