Royal Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Royal Reservoir, located in Redstone Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1908 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The reservoir has a dam height of 32 feet and a length of 450 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 239 acre-feet and a normal storage of 82 acre-feet. With a surface area of 8 acres and a drainage area of 1.6 square miles, Royal Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Royal Reservoir is state regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure safety and compliance with environmental standards. The dam's hazard potential is classified as significant, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. The last inspection took place in December 2017, with a frequency of every two years. While the Emergency Action Plan status and risk assessment details are not specified, Royal Reservoir remains a key recreational resource in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Overall, Royal Reservoir serves as a vital water resource for the community, offering both recreational opportunities and environmental benefits. Its picturesque location along Rowes Run, with support from local and state regulatory agencies, ensures the maintenance of the reservoir's safety and integrity. For those passionate about water management and climate-related issues, Royal Reservoir stands as a noteworthy example of sustainable water use and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

ROWES RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

239

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.