Steel Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Steel, also known as Mine 60, is a privately-owned dam located in Somerset Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 485 feet. Its primary purpose is grade stabilization, with a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.1 square miles.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Steel is regulated and inspected for safety regularly. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to be in satisfactory condition, with the last inspection conducted in June 2017. The Center Branch of Pigeon Creek flows through this area, highlighting the importance of water resource management in the region.

With its strategic location and role in controlling water flow, Steel serves as a vital infrastructure for protecting downstream areas from flooding and ensuring water availability for various purposes. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts would find Steel to be an intriguing example of how dams play a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential risks associated with changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

485

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

CENTER BRANCH OF PIGEON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

4.1

Nid Storage

189

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.