overtop
Example Sentences
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The reservoir behind the dam rose to within 1 foot of the dam’s maximum storage capacity, prompting warnings that water could overtop the dam and worsen already-dangerous conditions downstream, or damage the dam.
From Scientific American ● Jul. 13, 2023
Rivers, creeks and streams in several areas are once again forecast to overtop — including some, such as the Cosumnes, Salinas and Russian rivers, that are still swollen from a similar storm last week.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 13, 2023
If the rivers overtop their banks, water can inundate the plot safely, reducing flood risk downriver.
From New York Times ● Jan. 5, 2023
Although it’s unclear if another derecho will form on Wednesday, strong to severe thunderstorm are again forecast to erupt overtop the heat dome along a corridor from the northern Rockies to the Mid-Atlantic.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 6, 2022
But a 40-foot wave would easily overtop the walls and destroy everything in its path.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
Salt water that overtops the underwater sill is still lower in salinity than the water behind the sill toward the Gulf, Jones said.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 5, 2023
Porterville residents evacuate as Lake Success overtops the Schafer Dam spillway.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 16, 2023
And many areas kept dry by canals or higher topography would experience flooding as saltwater overtops barriers.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 9, 2022
In this drone photo released by Duke Energy, flooding from the swollen Cape Fear River overtops an earthen dike at Sutton Lake, a 1,100-acre lake at the L.V.
From Fox News ● Sep. 21, 2018
But Vincent knew How far high failure overtops the bounds Of low success.
From Life of St. Vincent de Paul by F. A. (Frances Alice) Forbes
Defences built five years ago were already being overtopped by floods, she said.
From BBC ● Dec. 9, 2025
After three days of rain, the dam collapsed in May 2020, releasing a torrent that overtopped the downstream Sanford Dam and flooded the city of Midland.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 8, 2023
Dams that are small and located in rural areas may cause less damage if they are overtopped or fail.
From Scientific American ● Jul. 13, 2023
“Hopefully the memory of what happened at Oroville is not lost on people’s minds,” he said, referencing the 2017 crisis in which high water levels nearly overtopped the massive Oroville Dam.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 20, 2023
The massive wave overtopped the seawall but petered out after about 300 yards, long before it reached any buildings.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
Large waves are also expected with coastal overtopping.
From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2025
Rivers and streams could swell, overtopping their banks and flooding the neighborhoods surrounding them.
From New York Times ● Feb. 5, 2024
But once built, you don’t want water coming through your roof, your siding or your windows — or overtopping your foundation or slab.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 4, 2023
For example, concrete dams can typically better withstand certain levels of overtopping compared to soil embankment dams.
From Scientific American ● Jul. 13, 2023
The waves rose in growing fury, each overtopping its fellow, till in a very few minutes the lately glassy sea was like a roaring and devouring monster.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
Vocabulary lists containing overtop
