White Pine news. [volume] (East Ely, Nev.) 1920-1923, 1922-08-06
C[OUDBURST SWEEPS DOWN CANYON,
LEAVING DESTRUCTION IN ITS WAKE;
WORST FLOOD IN HISTORY Of CITY

4 disastrous cloudburst occurred
ut the head OF what Is known as Sam
Browns canyon, near the plant OF
the Ely Ice Manufacturing Company,
shortly after 3 o'clock last Wedhes-
day afternoon and the city of Ely
ton when the floodwaters rushed
down through the residential section,
which soon resembled large, rag
ing river, sweeping along with trc.-
mendous velocity and carrying with
ii small buildings, trunks, boxes, au-
fomobiIes, household utensils, poul-
try and mass of debris.
Following a somewhat sultry spell
during the morning, a heavy rainfall
started about $50 in the afternoon.
1t soon became so severe that large
volume of water was rushing down
Mill street as far as Hayes street,
where the major portion of 1t turned
in an easterly direction and ran into
the creek at Murry and Hayes streets.
The rapid rise of the water became
alarming and many residents of the
Murry canyon section took immedi-
ate steps to protect their property.
The situation became most serious
about $3.50 p. m, when thunder
bolt shook the entire community and
Immediately the floodwaters rushed
out of Sam Browns canyon, through
the residential section toward the
business center of the city. leaving
devastation in its course.
When IL became evident that Il
flood of enormous proportions was
descending upon the city the fire
siren was sounded and the brave fire
laddies assembled. They were joined
by the citizens in general and after
donning the regular uniforms they
Immediately took up the work OF cav
ing life and property. AS usual the
boys acquitted themselves with credit
and TO their efforts is largely due the
one consoling feature that no lives
were lost.
The cloudburst occurred at point
on the mountain ridge, from whore
the larger volume of water spread on
the easterly slope into Steptoe valley.
where il covered a vast area of unoc-
acupied land. The course of the wa
Ter into the valley left nnmictakable
evidence of the torrent. which rolled
large boulders along its path and left
gulleys indicative of itG fury.
Had the break occurred just a
short distance farther west the en-
tire flow Of water would necessarily
have been down Murry canyon. the
result of which would doubtless have
been TO destroy the city of Ely and
many residents would have paid the
toll with their lives.
No fatality occurred but several
who volunteered their services in the
time of dire need almost miraculous
" escaped sudden death.
James O'Hare, one of the city en-
ployes, was swept OFF his feet by the
raging torrent at Murry street. be-
tween Clark and Hayes streets. where
the torrent seemed to center most OF
its fury rs IL came together from diff
ferent directions In which buildings
and natural objects had diverted il in
its mad rush down the canyon. Dick
House Immediately went TO the res
cue of O'Hare but was unable tn cope
with the situation and bring the ex-
hansted man 10 a place OF safety with
the overwhelming odds that were
against him.
Pat Fume and Harry Lewis went
TO the aid of both House and O'Hare
and the fcur men were soon in a
perilous position. Mayor Gallagher
procured a rope and tied IT TO tree
In front of Sacred Heart church. from
where 1t was thrown to the men who
were battling for their lives against
;the rapid floodwaters. After some
difficulty the rope was likewise fast
ened to an electric light pole. 10
which the -four men were holding