Further problems occurred in January 1954, when the toe of the dam, which was formed of sand, was washed away as a result of heavy rainfall. Water running off from the higher ground at either side of the dam ran along a berm near the foot of the dam, causing the sand to flow away, and a landslip to occur.
In January 1954, problems emerged at the dam due to heavy rainfall. The toe of the dam, made of sand, was washed away by the rain. Water from higher ground on either side of the dam flowed along a berm near the base of the dam, causing erosion and a landslide.