Foster Joseph Sayers Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Foster Joseph Sayers Dam, also known as Blanchard Reservoir, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Howard, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Completed in 1969 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at a height of 100 feet and has a storage capacity of 186,000 acre-feet. The dam plays a vital role in reducing flood risk to downstream communities along Bald Eagle Creek, but there are still potential hazards that could lead to flooding events, such as high-volume releases from the spillway during significant storms or a catastrophic breach of the dam.

To manage and reduce these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements various measures to ensure the structural integrity of the dam. Regular inspections and monitoring are conducted, with increased frequency during high water events. The Emergency Action Plan is regularly updated, and emergency response exercises are conducted with federal, state, and local agencies to prepare for potential flood events. By closely monitoring rainfall forecasts and maintaining operational readiness, the USACE aims to protect downstream communities from the devastating effects of flooding events that could occur in the event of a breach or high-volume releases from the dam.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

6835

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

BALD EAGLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1730

Hydraulic Height

94.8

Drainage Area

339

Nid Storage

186000

Structural Height

100

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

100
       
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.