Emsworth Locks and Dams, located in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, along the Ohio River, serve a crucial role in navigation. Completed in 1938 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, these gravity dams stand at a hydraulic height of 22 feet and have a structural height of 25 feet. With a spillway width of 800 feet and a controlled spillway type, the dams can manage a maximum discharge of 300,000 cubic feet per second. The facility also includes two locks that are 600 feet long and 110 feet wide, allowing for the passage of vessels through the river.

The dams have a storage capacity of 42,700 acre-feet and cover a surface area of 2,870 acres, supporting a drainage area of 19,428 acres. While the risk assessment for Emsworth Locks and Dams is rated as very high, the US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages and monitors the facility to address flood risks. By engaging with local emergency managers, updating emergency action plans, and conducting regular maintenance and repairs, the Corps ensures the structural integrity and safety of the dams. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dynamic management of Emsworth Locks and Dams showcases the critical role of infrastructure in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water resource sustainability in the face of changing environmental conditions.