Warren H Ohl Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Warren H Ohl is a crucial water supply dam located in Greene Township, Clinton, Pennsylvania, along the McElhatten Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 59 feet and stretches 910 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 2520 acre-feet. Despite its importance in water supply, the dam is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, with the last inspection in December 2020 revealing significant foundation issues that were addressed in a 2009 modification.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Warren H Ohl is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam serves as the primary water source for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 1720 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.17 square miles. The dam's deteriorating condition underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and reliability of its water supply function in the face of climate change impacts and increasing stress on water resources.

As a critical piece of infrastructure in the region, Warren H Ohl plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its location along the McElhatten Creek and its significance for water supply in Greene Township, the dam's condition and maintenance are crucial factors in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the local water supply. Ongoing assessments, inspections, and potential risk mitigation measures will be essential to address the high hazard potential and poor condition of Warren H Ohl, safeguarding its role in supporting the community's water needs amidst a changing climate and growing water challenges.

Years Modified

2009 - Foundation

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

910

Dam Height

59

River Or Stream

MCELHATTEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

110

Drainage Area

3.17

Nid Storage

2520

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

59
       
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.