Video: Prestonwood Lake Dam Collapse ‘Imminent’ as Water Spills Over the Top

The city of Arlington, Texas, declared an emergency, saying a dam collapse at a private lake is “imminent” and appears close to failing.

“It appears failure of the spillway may be imminent,” the city said in a statement on Oct. 31. “While no flooding of residential structures is anticipated, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams has declared an emergency and issued a proclamation Wednesday so that City staff may act to protect the safety of citizens and reduce damage to property and public infrastructure.”

Video footage taken from helicopters shows water streaming over the spillway.

“The City of Arlington is monitoring the situation and will work to mitigate issues as they arise. Should the Prestonwood Lake Dam fail, the downstream culverts at Northwest Green Oaks Boulevard are likely to become clogged with sediment and debris. Although unlikely, that could cause roadway flooding. City staff is prepared to remove the debris and sediment and block the roadway should it be necessary,” said the city in a statement.

The city of Arlington, Texas, said a dam collapse at a private lake is “imminent” and appears close to failing. Fox

Meanwhile, city spokeswoman Susan Schrock told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram the dam is in the “early stages” collapse because of erosion, adding that water is moving through the soil and spilling over the side.

The city said that some roads will likely flood if the dam fails, the report said.

Residents near the dam said it’s not their responsibility, WFAA reported.

“That is a good question,” said Robert Blake, a neighbor, about who should be overseeing and maintaining the dam.

He added to WFAA: “You have an HOA that in their bylaws says they’re not responsible for the dam. You have a homeowner that everyone believes that the dam—and the city says the dam—is on his property that has told the HOA it’s not his problem and not on his property. And then you have the city who said it’s not their problem. So everyone is kinda pointing fingers at everyone else.”