The lower dam was apparently plugged by rafting up logs then submerging them by piling rock on them, to form a latticework plug, of sorts, so why not just dredge them out and let the river flow under the dam, then install a gate to store water for times of drought? The upper dam could have been similarly drilled under to allowed the lakes to refill in flood season, protecting downstream property and then used as a reservoir in Summer. We spent millions of scarce tax dollars for the aesthetics of a "wild" canyon for a few tourists. Once the lakes were drained the dams could collapse in an earthquake with no real harm done, but would likely stand if a seismic sensor automatically opened the drains if things started rocking. Now we have to spend millions more each year repairing flood damage and building new reservoirs, which will likely have their own hazards, and the animals and birds that had come to rely on those lakes for habitat had to move on or die. Idiots R Us. Your tax $ @ jerk.