As this surge passed through the narrow Croton River Gorge, it reached heights of fifty feet before gushing into the Hudson River. From the Hudson River Chronicle, January 12, 1841: The water above the dam, covering a space of about 600 acres, continued to rise at the rate of about one foot an hour, until it reached the astonishing height of seventeen feet above the tumble. About four o'clock on Friday morning the embankment gave way.

The waters first encountered the mills and dwelling-house of Mr. Solomon Tompkins, which it swept away almost in a moment. Passing on, tearing up earth, stones, and trees, the waters next reached the extensive rolling-mills and wire factory of the Messrs.

Bailey — twelve buildings — and all their machinery, stock, furniture, goods. This was an extensive establishment employing about fifty men. So rapid was the approach of the water that some ten or fifteen individuals were overtaken and obliged to ascend surrounding trees for safety.

Among them were Mr. Joseph Bailey, Mrs. Mitchell, and women with infant children.