The Path Of The Flood -- South Fork Dam

The South Fork dam was purchased by Benjamin F. Ruff, founder of the South Fork Club for $2,000. The dam was repaired and rewatered, but it now had several flaws: the crest of the dam was lower to widen the road across it; the spillway was obstructed by a bridge and fish screens; and the water level control tower, which had previously burned, and the discharge pipes, previously removed, were not replaced. Consequently, the lake was filled to the death of 65 to 70 feet, but there was no way to control the water. The reservoir became known as Lake Conemaugh.