Upper Owl Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Upper Owl Creek is a vital water supply structure located in Tamaqua Borough, Schuylkill, Pennsylvania.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and was completed in 1921. With a storage capacity of 1290 acre-feet and a normal storage of 920 acre-feet, Upper Owl Creek serves the primary purpose of water supply for the region.

Managed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this dam is an essential part of the water resource infrastructure in the area. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2020, Upper Owl Creek plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability and security for the community. Despite being a century-old structure, it continues to provide valuable services and remains under regular scrutiny and maintenance to uphold its functionality and safety standards.

As an integral part of the water management system in Pennsylvania, Upper Owl Creek represents a significant asset in the state's efforts to safeguard its water resources amidst changing climate conditions. With its history, design, and purpose intertwined with the region's water supply needs, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices and the critical role of infrastructure in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources.

Years Modified

2013 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1921

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

OWL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

70

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

1290

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.