People look on as water and debris flow down the Santa Clara River after the failure of the St. Francis Dam in 1928. The dam, one of several built to increase the storage of Owens River water, collapsed in March of 1928, sending 12 billion gallons of water rushing down the Santa Clara River Valley. The first community struck after the dam's demise was Castaic, which was said to have been "swept clean as a pool table." Minutes later, a power company camp in the river valley was washed away, leaving 84 people dead. Portions of the towns of Piru, Fillmore, Santa Paula and Saticoy were completely demolished. Nearly 500 people were killed in the flood.
Floods--California--Santa Paula Flood damage--California--Santa Paula Dwellings--Flood damage--California--Santa Paula Santa Clara River Valley (Calif.) Santa Paula (Calif.)
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