Crystal Run Reservoir dam
Crystal Run Reservoir
Crystal Run Reservoir, located in Cass Township, Pennsylvania, is a vital water supply infrastructure managed by the local government. Built in 1898, this Earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and has a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of water supply for the region. With a surface area of 18 acres and a drainage area of 5.1 square miles, the reservoir plays a crucial role in meeting the water needs of the community.
Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Crystal Run Reservoir is regulated and inspected to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, with regular inspections conducted to monitor its integrity. The reservoir's Normal Storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and its strategic location make it a key asset in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region.
As a significant water resource infrastructure in Schuylkill County, Crystal Run Reservoir not only provides essential water supply but also contributes to the overall water management efforts in Pennsylvania. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, this reservoir continues to play a vital role in ensuring water security for the local community. Regular inspections, emergency preparedness measures, and adherence to regulatory guidelines underscore the importance of this reservoir in sustainable water resource management for the future.
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 Crystal Run Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Schuylkill River At Landingville | 209 cfs | → |
| Swatara Creek Near Pine Grove | 115 cfs | → |
| Swatara Creek Near Inwood | 143 cfs | → |
| Little Schuylkill River At Tamaqua | 41 cfs | → |
| Schuylkill River At Berne | 409 cfs | → |
| Tulpehocken Creek Near Bernville | 73 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Crystal Run Reservoir.
Boat launches
- Pottsville
- Sweet Arrow Lake
- Locust Lake Boat Launch
- Auburn Dam
- Schuylkill River Trail West Brunswick Township
- Tuscarora Lake Boat Launch
Track Crystal Run Reservoir 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 Crystal Run Reservoir
Where does the data for Crystal Run Reservoir 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 Crystal Run Reservoir.