Link to powerpoint presentation:

Site Characterization and Failure Modes in the Paterno Flood Case

Picture to the left:

Levee failures commonly occur in northern California during extreme flow events. The February 1986 levee failure at Linda occurred after the flood had crested and the water surface was 9 feet below crest, after 9 days at flood stage.

Picture to the left:

Failure of the Jones Tract Levee in the San Joaquin Delta during
the December 1955 floods that struck northern California.