Bradys Run Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bradys Run in Brighton Township, Pennsylvania, is a local government-owned recreational dam on the South Branch Brady Run.


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Summary

Completed in 1949, this earth dam stands at 33 feet high and has a length of 350 feet, providing a storage capacity of 526 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bradys Run is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's last inspection in December 2020 revealed its poor condition, prompting concerns about its safety and the potential risks associated with its high hazard potential. With a drainage area of 13.8 square miles and a surface area of 26.5 acres, the dam presents challenges in terms of risk management and emergency preparedness.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the condition and maintenance of dams like Bradys Run to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With its location in Beaver, Pennsylvania, and proximity to the Pittsburgh District, the dam's structural integrity and risk assessment are key factors in safeguarding the surrounding community and water resources. Collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies is essential in addressing the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and high hazard potential associated with recreational dams like Bradys Run.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH BRADY RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26.5

Drainage Area

13.8

Nid Storage

526

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
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.