Buffalo Creek Valley of Death

BACK IN STOCK!

Regional Bestseller — Buffalo Creek Valley of Death is a reprint of a classic title by Dennis Deitz and Carlene Mowery. This revised edition, in an 8.25" x 11" softcover format, includes new, never-before-published photos from the tragic event.

In the days preceding February 26, 1972, rain fell almost continuously, although experts later claimed this was typical for late winter weather in the area. Buffalo Mining officials, concerned about the condition of the highest dam, measured water levels every two hours the night of the twenty-fifth. Although a Pittston official in the area was alerted to the increasing danger, the residents of the hollow were not informed. The company sent away two deputy sheriffs, who had been dispatched to assist with potential evacuations. Despite the lack of warning from company officials, some residents sensed the danger and moved to higher ground. Just prior to 8:00 a.m. on February 26, heavy-equipment operator Denny Gibson discovered the water had risen to the crest of the impoundment and the dam was "real soggy." At 8:05 a.m., the dam collapsed. The water obliterated the other two impoundments and approximately 132 million gallons of black waste water rushed through the narrow Buffalo Creek hollow.

In a matter of minutes, 125 were dead, 1,100 injured, and over 4,000 left homeless. One thousand cars and trucks were destroyed. The flood demolished 502 houses and 44 mobile homes, and severely damaged 943 houses and trailers (mobile homes). Property damage was estimated at $50 million.

This book is the story of this terrible disaster and includes exclusive interviews from many of those who witnessed and survived, or lost loved ones during the Buffalo Creek flood.