South Fork Dam

On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam failed catastrophically and 20 million tons of water from Lake Conemaugh burst through and raced 14 miles (23 km) downstream, causing the Johnstown Flood.

[3] There had been some speculation as to the dam's integrity, and concerns had been raised by the head of the Cambria Iron Works downstream in Johnstown.

[citation needed] Before the flood, speculators had bought the abandoned reservoir, made less than well-engineered repairs to the old dam, raised the lake level, built cottages and a clubhouse, and created the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.

Daniel Johnson Morrell, of the Cambria Iron Works of Johnstown, also became a member, ostensibly to monitor the condition of the dam.

Public indignation at that failure prompted a major development in American law: state courts' move from a fault-based regime to strict liability.

A modern view of the South Fork Dam. The large gap overlooked by the two wooden terraces pictured is the breach that caused the Johnstown Flood .
An 1889 stereoscope view of the dam after the flood.