There are aerial photos that show what was once a straight dam face having a slight bulge. Chinese authorities first denied it, then they said it was a photographic effect, then they said it was expected and within tolerance.
Thanks. Cut enough corners and I guess they will cut—or flood—you.
I’m pretty sure that ANY bulge that could be observed from an aerial photo would be more than out of tolerance!
On youtube some guy had drone videos of the two small dams breaking apart last month due to the flooding in Michigan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc3u_CHVHJ8
20’ tall dam breach (from video on the ground) is pretty impressive/terrible.