The failure of high-risk dams could endanger up to 1.5 million people and result in economic damages exceeding $265 billion. The areas most at risk include densely populated regions near the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. The potential for heavy rainfall during the El Niño winter heightens the urgency of addressing these safety concerns. The lack of enforcement actions against non-compliant dam owners further exacerbates the risk to public safety and infrastructure.