Westmoreland-Fayette Council Bsa Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Westmoreland-Fayette Council Bsa is a privately owned recreational dam located in Somerset, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Built in 1987, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 470 feet, creating a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. Situated on the TR Laurel Hill Creek in Jefferson Township, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 6 acres for activities such as boating and fishing.

Managed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Westmoreland-Fayette Council Bsa has a low hazard potential with a condition assessment of "Not Rated." Despite not having a detailed risk assessment or emergency action plan in place, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With its location in a picturesque setting and its importance for recreation in the area, the Westmoreland-Fayette Council Bsa serves as a vital water resource for residents and visitors alike.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to recognize the significance of maintaining and monitoring dams like the Westmoreland-Fayette Council Bsa to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the natural environment. By staying informed about the regulatory oversight, condition assessments, and emergency preparedness measures of such dams, we can contribute to the sustainable management of water resources in our increasingly changing climate.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR LAUREL HILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.