The dam isn't the problem, it's the maintenance that's the problem. The state has abandoned this reservoir since maybe 8, going on 9 years now.

They're jumping the gun, they really are. There's a lot more to this than just opening the reservoir and turning it back to a natural stream, which it hasn't been a natural stream. It's no longer gonna be a controlled release. It's gonna be whatever comes down in the brunt of a flood.

And maybe that's part of the problem,

If you choose to not deal with an issue,
then you give up your right of control over the issue
and it will select the path of least resistance.

Miscommunication is often a "tap root" when a problem arises.

I'm not high maintenance.