California audit: 60 dams in poor condition, 1.5M at risk before El Niño

A California state audit found nearly 60 dams in poor condition, concentrated near populated coastal areas, posing flood risk to 1.5 million people ahead of an El Niño winter. The responsible department never used its authority to penalize owners, indicating regulatory failure. The extent of immediate danger depends on winter rainfall and whether owners act on audit findings.