John C Smith Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John C Smith is a vital water supply dam located in Bedford Township, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Built in 1932, this Earth type dam stands at a height of 59 feet and spans 900 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, supporting the local community with a normal storage capacity of 138 acre-feet.

Despite its importance for water resource management, John C Smith is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure compliance with safety standards. However, with its last inspection conducted in April 2020, there is a need for ongoing maintenance and potential risk management measures to address its current condition.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, John C Smith presents a case study for the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience. As efforts continue to safeguard this critical water supply source, there is a call for increased awareness and action to address the challenges facing aging dams like John C Smith in order to ensure the sustainability and safety of our water resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

59

River Or Stream

PIGEON RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

166

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

59
       
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.