Sugar Run dam
Sugar Run
Sugar Run is a vital water resource located in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, serving as a key source for the local community's water supply. Constructed in 1907, this earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a storage capacity of 467 acre-feet. With a surface area of 22 acres and a drainage area of 0.3 square miles, Sugar Run plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and ensuring a consistent water supply for St Clair Township.
Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Sugar Run is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity and ensure its safe operation. Despite being classified as a high hazard potential dam, Sugar Run has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in October 2020. The dam has undergone modifications in 2012 to enhance its hydraulic and structural components, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement and safety.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of Sugar Run, as well as its essential role in safeguarding water availability for the local community. With its strategic location along the TR Conemaugh River and under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore District, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water management and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania. As efforts continue to ensure the safety and efficiency of Sugar Run, it remains a cornerstone in the sustainable management of water resources in the region.
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 Sugar Run -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Conemaugh River At Seward | 503 cfs | → |
| Conemaugh River At Minersville | 565 cfs | → |
| Little Conemaugh River At East Conemaugh | 97 cfs | → |
| Stonycreek River At Ferndale | 261 cfs | → |
| Blacklick Creek At Josephine | 167 cfs | → |
| Two Lick Creek At Graceton | 176 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sugar Run.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Antiochian Village Camp
- Lorain Borough Park
- Stefan's Campsite
- Nanty Glo Municipal Park
- Adams Croyle
- Camp Ligonier
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Sugar 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 Sugar Run
Where does the data for Sugar 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 High 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 Sugar Run.