Bull Run dam
Bull Run
Bull Run, located in Penn Township, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure managed by the local government. Completed in 1934, this earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and spans a length of 520 feet, with a storage capacity of 383 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Bull Run plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation and damage during severe weather events.
The dam is regulated and inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring that it meets necessary safety standards. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Bull Run is deemed satisfactory as of the last inspection in September 2019. The structure boasts a well-maintained state, with regular inspections conducted to monitor its integrity and functionality. Its strategic location and design make it an essential component in the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bull Run serves as a remarkable example of infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks and protect communities from potential disasters. Its historical significance, coupled with its effective flood control measures, highlights the importance of investing in resilient water management systems to safeguard against the impacts of changing climate patterns. As a key asset in the region's flood risk reduction strategy, Bull Run contributes to building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for the local area.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Bull Run -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Loyalhanna Creek At Loyalhanna Dam | 221 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River At Sutersville | 1,340 cfs | → |
| Conemaugh River At Tunnelton | 1,220 cfs | → |
| Loyalhanna Creek At Kingston | 203 cfs | → |
| Monongahela River At Elizabeth | 21,100 cfs | → |
| Kiskiminetas River At Vandergrift | 1,610 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bull Run.
Track Bull Run in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Bull Run
Where does the data for Bull Run come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Bull Run.