VIDEO: How Quicksand Ruins a Dam Popular Mechanics » Dams often appear stable until they’re not. Quicksand, mainly known as a phenomena found in old movies, has a special role in the dam-building process that makes it a constant struggle for engineers. Practical Engineering takes a look at the seepage that can wreak havoc on dam sites worldwide. Michelle2018-01-12T10:57:57-08:00September 28th, 2017|California, Dams, Oroville Dam|