- California's levees are struggling to withstand the onslaught of extreme winter weather, putting residents at risk.
- This winter's back-to-back storms have left the state in uncharted territory and could be a prelude to a challenging spring.
- Over 1,500 dams and 14,000 miles of levees help control California's waterways, but much of this infrastructure is more than half a century old.
- The winter storms have stressed the state's infrastructure since January, particularly in low-lying inland areas crisscrossed by rivers.
- A major project to upgrade and strengthen local levees at an estimated cost of over $500 million was underway when the storm hit.
California Levee Failures Mount as Storms Continue Relentless Drive
Pajaro is the latest community to suffer from a levee break in California. Intense atmospheric rivers and snowmelt will keep testing the river walls that protect millions of residents.
By Tim Arango and Sh
