Summary
Built in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans a length of 920 feet, creating a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. However, recent assessments have rated its condition as poor with a high hazard potential, highlighting the need for attention and potential upgrades to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and water resources.
Despite its critical condition, Sandy Run remains a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a surface area of 10 acres for recreational activities. The dam is situated in a picturesque location along the Sandy Run river, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. However, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance issues pose a significant risk that must be addressed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the safety of the dam and the surrounding area.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Sandy Run becomes increasingly evident. With a history of poor condition assessments and a high hazard potential, stakeholders must work together to implement risk management measures and ensure the long-term safety and functionality of this important recreational structure in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
920 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
SANDY RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Drainage Area |
1.85 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Sandy Run
Beaver Dam