St. Francis Dam Failure Quiz

What did Harnischfeger notice about the dam over the last year?

• The dam was being reinforced.

• The dam was being painted.

• A series of cracks appeared.

• The water level was decreasing.

How did Mulholland initially respond to the cracks in the dam?

• He ordered an evacuation.

• He plugged them with oakum.

• He reinforced the dam with steel.

• He ignored them.

What happened to the dam at around 11:20 p.m.?

• It was reinforced with additional materials.

• The water level decreased significantly.

• A huge crack opened on its upstream side.

• It was repaired successfully.

What was the term used to describe water pushing up at the bottom of the dam?

• Overflow

• Uplift

• Erosion

• Subsidence

What was a major design flaw in the St. Francis Dam?

• Relief wells were only in the center section.

• It had no relief wells.

• It was made of wood.

• It was too short.