the most recent devastating flood and avalanche along this creek bed was a result of the 1970 earthquake. the avalanche of 1941 had filled the creek valley with debris, covering the new suburb on the city's north edge. the 1970 avalanche and floodwaters down this creek valley destroyed the city's north-side subdivision, which had been partially rebuilt by the late 1960s. the 1970 avalanche debris also created a temporary natural dam across the santa river, which caused flooding throughout much of the city. the quake damaged almost all the city's major buildings. over the next few days the city was devastated by flooding from both the creek and the river and by water-borne earthquake debris.