William Evans and Robert Smith were overtaken in their flight, obliged to ascend a cedar of smaller size, which was borne down by the water, ice, and floating timber into the current, and they were carried away amid their unavailing cries for assistance. Their bodies were not found. The accumulated waters dashed furiously onward along the valley of the Croton to its mouth, a distance of about three miles, carrying away Quaker Bridge, Holman's mills, and the old piers of the old Croton Bridge.

All bridges below the dam were carried away, leaving no bridge over the Croton from its mouth to Golden's Bridge, a distance of twelve to sixteen miles. The Bailey family published thanks on January 19, 1841, acknowledging neighbors including Henry Lounsbury, Robert Tompkins, Gabriel Purdy, Elias Purdy, William Ryder, Thomas Rowlee, and William Purdy. Following the 1841 disaster, the dam underwent significant redesign.

Engineers strengthened the earthen embankment and gave the primary section an innovative s-curve profile. This enhanced design proved effective, and the dam remained stable until replaced by the New Croton Dam completed in 1908.