Shirfs Run dam
Shirfs Run
Shirfs Run is a vital water resource structure located in Barr Township, Cambria, Pennsylvania. Built in 1925, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 320 feet, with a primary purpose of water supply. It holds a normal storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and serves the TR North Branch Black Lick Creek, benefiting the surrounding area with essential water resources.
Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Shirfs Run is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. With a significant hazard potential, this dam is subject to regular inspections every two years to monitor its condition. Despite being not rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water supply management for the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shirfs Run offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and water management. With its rich history dating back almost a century, this structure exemplifies the importance of maintaining and regulating water resources to ensure sustainability and safety for local communities. Its association with the TR North Branch Black Lick Creek highlights the interconnectedness of water systems and the critical role dams play in providing essential resources for both human and environmental needs.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Shirfs Run -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Creek Near Homer City | 64 cfs | → |
| Conemaugh River At Seward | 1,300 cfs | → |
| Little Conemaugh River At East Conemaugh | 97 cfs | → |
| Conemaugh River At Minersville | 1,440 cfs | → |
| Two Lick Creek At Graceton | 142 cfs | → |
| Blacklick Creek At Josephine | 179 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Shirfs Run.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Duman Lake County Park
- Nanty Glo Municipal Park
- Prince Gallitzin State Park
- Stefan's Campsite
- Adams Croyle
- Lorain Borough Park
Paddle runs
More reservoirs
Track Shirfs Run in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Shirfs Run
Where does the data for Shirfs Run come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Shirfs Run.