Baldwin Hills reservoir failure in review

Abstract

A very large amount of information on the Baldwin Hills Reservoir failure of December 1963, is available in the reports and papers which have been published. Except for survey data obtained in recent years, which might shed further light on the problem of ground deformation, little more is likely to turn up on the condition of the reservoir and dam. Here it will be assumed that the facts are known and available; the discussion will concentrate on their interpretation. This discussion is divided into two parts: (a) a review of some of the events prior to construction and statements made by various engineers regarding the design of the system; and (b) an evaluation of the interpretations offered. Although some of the background is given in the State of California report of 1964, it is believed that a more detailed description of some of the material is of interest in its reflection of the views of the site and design by the people most concerned. With the publication over the years of a number of papers with different explanations of the mechanics of ground deformation leading to the failure, it is an appropriate time to review the opinions offered.