PALCACOCHA

 

Event description

 

On December 13, 1941, the moraine damming the Lake Palca broke and the subsequent flood triggered the outburst of another lake further down (Jircacocha). The flood proceeded down the Cohup valley. The volume released reached 4 Mio m³. The city of Huaraz was affected, 6000 people died.

 

Damage

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6000 people died, the new part of the city was destroyed

 

Data source

 

Lliboutry, L., Arnao, B. M., Pautre, A., Schneider, B. (1977): Glaciological problems set by the contol of dangerous lakes in Cordillera Blanca, Peru. I. Historical failures of morainic dams, their causes and prevention. Journal of Glaciology, 18 (79), 239 � 254.

 

Remarks

 

After this disaster the Comision de Control de Lagunas de la Cordillera Blanca was set up, which began to lower the level and strengthen the outlets of the most dangerous lakes.