Virgin Run Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Virgin Run is a state-regulated dam located in Fayette, Pennsylvania, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at 34 feet high and spans 478 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 690 acre-feet. Despite its recreational use, the dam is categorized as having a significant hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in poor condition.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Virgin Run is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. The dam, situated in Franklin Township, serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities and offers a surface area of 32 acres for visitors to enjoy. With a drainage area of 3.3 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 420 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing recreational opportunities for the local community.

Although Virgin Run dam has faced challenges with its maintenance and condition assessment, its role in water resource management and recreation cannot be understated. As a key feature in the area's landscape, the dam continues to draw visitors seeking leisure activities and serves as a reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure management in safeguarding both the environment and public safety.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

478

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

VIRGIN RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Drainage Area

3.3

Nid Storage

690

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.