Windspeed
Humidity
Blue Marsh Dam, located in Reading, Pennsylvania, was completed in 1977 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Standing at a structural height of 100 feet and with a hydraulic height of 94 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting downstream communities such as Reading, Birdsboro, Pottstown, and Philadelphia from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 129,900 acre-feet and a drainage area of 175 square miles, the dam can handle a maximum discharge of 70,000 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a "Moderate" risk level, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements rigorous risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of Blue Marsh Dam. Regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance are conducted to identify any signs of deterioration or potential issues. Emergency repair materials are stocked nearby in case of dam seepage, and staff closely monitor weather forecasts to prepare for possible flood events. Additionally, the Corps collaborates with state and county emergency management officials to conduct emergency exercises and ensure a coordinated response in case of an emergency.
The risk assessment for Blue Marsh Dam is based on the potential for the reservoir level to rise high enough during intense rainfall events, potentially causing erosion that could lead to a breach and subsequent flooding downstream. By closely monitoring the dam's performance and implementing proactive measures, the US Army Corps of Engineers is dedicated to safeguarding the surrounding communities and ensuring the structural integrity of Blue Marsh Dam.
Elevation Of Reservoir Water Surface Above Datum, Ft 24hr Change | -0.02% |
Percent of Normal | 100% |
Minimum |
281.89 ft
2010-09-28 |
Maximum |
319.63 ft
2022-01-21 |
Average | 285 ft |
Hydraulic_Height | 94 |
Drainage_Area | 175 |
Year_Completed | 1977 |
Nid_Storage | 129900 |
Structural_Height | 100 |
River_Or_Stream | TULPEHOCKEN CREEK |
Primary_Dam_Type | Rockfill |
Surface_Area | 1147 |
Hazard_Potential | High |
Outlet_Gates | Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Dam_Length | 1775 |
Nid_Height | 100 |
Discharge | Stage | Elevation | |
LEHIGH RIVER AT BETHLEHEM
2025-02-10T02:30:00.000-05:00 |
785cfs | 1.47ft | 211ft |
MONOCACY CREEK AT BETHLEHEM
2025-02-10T01:45:00.000-05:00 |
17cfs | 2.22ft | 256ft |
LITTLE LEHIGH CREEK NEAR ALLENTOWN
2025-02-10T02:30:00.000-05:00 |
45cfs | 0.05ft | 260ft |
LEHIGH RIVER AT WALNUTPORT
2025-02-10T01:30:00.000-05:00 |
604cfs | 2.27ft | 352ft |
JORDAN CREEK AT ALLENTOWN
2025-02-10T02:30:00.000-05:00 |
22cfs | 1.55ft | 264ft |
LITTLE LEHIGH CREEK AT TENTH ST. BR. AT ALLENTOWN
2025-02-10T01:45:00.000-05:00 |
43cfs | 2.33ft | 246ft |
SCHUYLKILL RIVER AT LANDINGVILLE
2025-02-10T02:30:00.000-05:00 |
79cfs | 2.96ft | 472ft |