Indian Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Indian Creek, located in Fayette, Pennsylvania, is a masonry dam completed in 1905 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

With a height of 40 feet and a length of 515 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 826 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 706 acre-feet. The dam is situated in Springfield Township and is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with state inspection and enforcement in place to ensure its safety.

Despite its historical significance, Indian Creek Dam currently poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in November 2020 revealed its deteriorating state, prompting concerns for its structural integrity. The dam is not USACE-owned, but its critical infrastructure status warrants increased attention and potential risk management measures to mitigate any potential dangers posed by its deteriorating condition.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the deteriorating state of Indian Creek Dam serves as a compelling case study on the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the need for proactive risk management in the face of evolving environmental conditions. As a vital water supply source, the dam's deteriorating condition highlights the urgent need for investment in its maintenance and potential rehabilitation to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding community and water resources in the face of climate change and increasing infrastructure risks.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

515

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

65

Drainage Area

109.6

Nid Storage

826

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.