Washington No 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Washington No 4 is a private recreational dam located in North Franklin Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Built in 1903, this Earth type dam stands at a height of 63 feet and stretches 1260 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 3528 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 125 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Washington No 4 is regulated and inspected to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as being in fair condition. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last inspection taking place in December 2019. Emergency action plans are not yet prepared, but the dam meets regulatory guidelines and has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years.

Situated along the Point Lookout Branch of Chartiers Creek, Washington No 4 offers a picturesque setting for outdoor recreation in the region. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this dam continues to provide valuable water resources for the local community while also serving as a popular destination for climate and water resource enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

1260

Dam Height

63

River Or Stream

POINT LOOKOUT BR CHARTIERS CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

125

Drainage Area

2.25

Nid Storage

3528

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

63
       
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.