Dam Failure: Catastrophic type of failure characterized by the sudden, rapid and uncontrolled release of impounded water. It is recognized that there are lesser degrees of failure and that may malfunction or abnormality outside the design assumptions and parameters which adversely affect a dam’s primary function of impounding water is properly considered a failure. Such lesser degrees of failure can progressively lead to or heighten the risk of catastrophic failure. USSD- United States Society on Dams https://www.ussdams.org/18thtc.html Dam failure can have wide ranging impacts from the loss of life or injury to economic loss and damage to the environment and the property of individuals and the dam operator.  Therefore it is important that the dam and their construction reduce these risks. In Australia ANCOLD (Australian National Committe on Large Dams) is holding a conference on the Gold Coast and is looking for guidance as to whether there is a need to revise or update the Guidelines on Risk Assessment