Abstract
The Borah Peak earthquake of October 28, 1983 shook a rural area of central Idaho. The effects on engineered lifelines was small because the population centers were located some distance from the epicenter. The most visible damage observed was to the roads and highways. The MacKay Dam on the Lost River was examined for damage, but aside from temporary cloudy water from a spring at the base of the dam, no significant problems were discovered. Water distribution and sewer collection systems were not damaged, but people were alerted to take precautionary measures with the water they used for drinking. Electrical service was interrupted for an interval of 45 minutes in MacKay. There was a noticeable dimming of lights in Pocatello, Idaho. No significant damage was observed to electrical or telephone systems.
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