Pymatuning Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pymatuning is a state-regulated dam located in Crawford, Pennsylvania, along the Shenango River.


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Summary

Completed in 1933, this earth dam stands at 50 feet high and stretches 2400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 445,000 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also serves recreational purposes due to its surface area of 14,528 acres.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Pymatuning has been modified structurally in 2010 to enhance its safety and efficiency. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring its regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement to meet regulatory standards. Managed by the state, Pymatuning plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from flood risks while providing recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering marvel and environmental significance of this vital infrastructure in Pennsylvania.

Years Modified

2010 - Structural

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

2400

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

SHENANGO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14528

Drainage Area

160

Nid Storage

445000

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

50
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.