Maxwell Locks And Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Maxwell Locks and Dam, also known as Maxwell Pool, is a gravity dam located in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, along the Monongahela River.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam serves primarily for navigation purposes, with a hydraulic height of 31 feet and a structural height of 56 feet. The dam features two locks, with a length of 720 feet and a width of 84 feet each, allowing for the safe passage of boats and barges along the river.
With a storage capacity of 30,900 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4,961 square miles, Maxwell Locks and Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and preventing flooding in the region. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway, five Tainter (radial) outlet gates, and a spillway width of 420 feet to regulate the flow of water downstream. Despite its significant hazard potential, the US Army Corps of Engineers actively monitors and manages the dam's risks through regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
In the face of increasing climate variability and severe weather events, Maxwell Locks and Dam remains a vital piece of infrastructure for water resource management and flood control in Pennsylvania. With a commitment to risk management and public safety, the US Army Corps of Engineers continues to prioritize the maintenance and operation of this essential structure to safeguard the surrounding communities and waterways from potential hazards and emergencies.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
692 |
River Or Stream |
MONONGAHELA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
1380 |
Length Of Locks |
720 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
4961 |
Nid Storage |
30900 |
Structural Height |
56 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 5 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
56 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fork Tenmile Creek At Jefferson
|
45cfs |
Redstone Creek At Waltersburg
|
40cfs |
Monongahela River Near Masontown
|
2810cfs |
Dunkard Creek At Shannopin
|
123cfs |
Monongahela River At Elizabeth
|
21100cfs |
Youghiogheny River At Sutersville
|
881cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Maxwell Locks And Dam
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