The name Widow's Tears had been applied to Silver Strand Falls in the past, but the lower-volume waterfall located one drainage to the east of Meadow Brook is now known as Widow's Tears and is thought to drop 1,170 feet (360 m), hence the confusion regarding the height.

The origin of the number "1,170 feet" for the height either of this or of nearby Widow's Tears is obscure.

But in any case, this height is not supported either by a field survey or by the topo sheet.

It appears that the Widow's Tears drop more or less steeply in a square alcove for about 810 feet (250 m), then proceeds to drop at generally lower angle an additional 700 feet (210 m) over a series of small stepdowns and slabs.

Since both Silver Strand and Widow's Tears are located on streams draining small, relatively low areas, they both dry up completely in a normal year by mid June since they are fed exclusively by melting snow.