Failures
Baldwin Hills Dam
Illustrated report describes the role of oil drilling and water re-injection in causing this 1963 collapse. Includes animations.
Big Bay Lake Dam Break
Illustrated article from the National Weather Service describes the 2004 failure of this earthen dam in southern Mississippi.
Buffalo Creek Disaster
Details the events and aftermath of this 1972 gob dam failure in southern West Virginia's Buffalo Creek hollow.
Cracking Dams - Advanced level
Learn about dams and cracks, engineering and computer simulation. Includes case histories, construction scenarios, and a glossary.
Destruction in San Francisquito Canyon
Illustrated essay detailing the reasons behind this 1928 catastrophe when the St. Francis dam broke
Kelly Barnes Dam Flood
Illustrated publication from the USGS concerning the failure which occurred on November 6, 1977, near Toccoa, Georgia.
Notable Dam Failures - Washington
Listing of recent and historical failures in the state and the lessons learnt.
Stava Tailings Dam Failure
Account of the failure which occurred on the 19th July 1985 near Trento, Italy.
Teton Dam Failure
Narrative overview, slideshow and video this dam in southeastern Idaho, which failed abruptly on June 5, 1976. Compiled and presented by Arthur G. Sylvester.
The Catastrophic Dam Failures in China in August 1975
Article describes the causes of the failure of the Banqiao and Shimantan dams. By Thayer Watkins, San José State University.
The Lawn Lake Flood
Illustrated article of the events of July 15, 1982 describing this Colorado dam failure.
The South Fork Fishing & Hunting Club and the South Fork Dam
Describes the events of May 31, 1889, when a neglected dam and a phenomenal storm led to a catastrophe in which 2,209 people died. Includes illustrations and related links. From th…
Vajont Dam
On October 9 1963 a landslide caused the reservoir to over-top the dam. Lecture notes by Dave Petley.
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