OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) — A California state senator is troubled that residents below a damaged California dam knew little about potential risk until ordered to evacuate when a spillway began breaking up.

Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen says communication from state managers during the February crisis at Oroville Dam was confusing to the public.

On Feb. 7, a massive crack opened in the main spillway at the dam. For days, managers assured the public there was no imminent danger as they slowed releases of water to assess the damage.
Then, a backup spillway started falling apart, triggering the evacuation order for nearly 200,000 people.
An Associated Press review found officials made a series of questionable decisions and missteps before and during the crisis.

Nielsen represents thousands of residents who were evacuated and says the confusing communication in the days leading to the evacuation will be one issue discussed during a Senate hearing on the crisis this month.