Philipsburg No 3 (Upper) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cold Stream Morrisdale Mine
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Nestled in Rush Township, Pennsylvania, Philipsburg No 3 (Upper) is a privately owned earth dam that serves as a crucial water supply source for the surrounding area.
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Summary
Completed in 1921, this dam stands at 17 feet high and spans 240 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 174 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
With a hazard potential classified as high, Philipsburg No 3 (Upper) is rated as in fair condition according to the most recent assessment. It covers a surface area of 10.6 acres and has a drainage area of 9.7 square miles, making it a significant feature in the local water resource management landscape. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a vital role in providing water for the community, showcasing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to safeguard this essential infrastructure for the future.
As an integral part of the Cold Stream watershed, Philipsburg No 3 (Upper) contributes to the overall water supply system in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Its location and design reflect a historical commitment to water resource management, with a focus on meeting the needs of the surrounding region. With its high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, continued attention and investment in the dam's maintenance and risk management measures are essential to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of this critical water supply infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1921 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
COLD STREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.6 |
Drainage Area |
9.7 |
Nid Storage |
174 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Philipsburg No 3 (Upper)