Cabin Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cabin Creek is a vital water supply dam located in Windsor Township, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Built in 1925, this earth dam stands at a height of 27.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 673 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is to provide water supply, with a normal storage capacity of 178 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 2.63 square miles.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Cabin Creek is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in March 2021. While there are no associated structures or spillways listed, the dam remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cabin Creek presents an intriguing case study of a historic earth dam that continues to play a crucial role in water supply management. With its location in York County, Pennsylvania, and under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore District, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring our infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and safety of our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

27.5

River Or Stream

CABIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

2.63

Nid Storage

673

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.