Photo by Peter Kosednar.
One of four large rubber bladders at Tempe Town Lake dam failed at around 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to a statement from Tempe city spokeswoman Nikki Ripley.
Ripley says the dam failed for reasons that are yet unknown.
Ripley says most of the lake's water is projected to be lost because of the breach. Some areas of the Tempe Town Lake may be left with about three feet of water.
At the peak of the flows Tuesday night, the water was estimated to be flowing over the west dam at a rate of 25,200 cubic feet per second, according to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County and the USGS.
The lake is now officially closed to classes and boaters until further notice.
Tempe Police are investigating the breach. No damage estimate was available.
Video taken by Peter Kosednar.
