ST. FRANCIS - CA00000-189

Dam Name: ST. FRANCIS
State: CA
Downstream Hazard Potential: H
Incident Type: Failure
Incident Date: 03/12/1928
Incident Driver: Structural Stability
Incident Mechanism 1: Foundation Deficiency
Incident Mechanism 2
Incident Mechanism 3
Incident IDCA00000-189
Incident DescriptionThere was poor foundation material and sliding planes on the Left abutment. At the time of the incident there was also concerns with the congolomerate on the right abutment but most experts now belive the failure iniciated on the left.
Named Hydrologic Event
EAP Enacted (Y/N) due to IncidentNo
Fatalities (Number)600
Number of People Evacuated
Number of Habitable Structures Evacuated
Number of Habitable Structures Flooded
Other Infrastructure Impacts
Economic Damages (in $)$5 million to $10 million
Response
Volume released at failure (ac-ft)38000
Additional Remarks or Updates23,500 acres of farmland flooded. Most likely cause: instability of underlying soil,
Fatalities: 600 - Over 600 killed.
Owner Type
Dam Type
Primary Purpose(s)S
EAPN
Dam Height205 ft
Max Storage (ac-ft)38000.00
Surface Area (acres)0.00
Year Completed1926
NID NumberCA00000
River Name
Latitude0
Longitude0
Year Modified
Regulatory Agency(ies)
Incident Time
Incident Duration
Incident Report ProducedYes
Information SourcesDamfailures.org, Floodpath by Jon Wilkman
Attachments