Cherry Valley Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Cherry Valley, located in Mount Pleasant Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned dam regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
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Summary
This dam was completed in 1947, with a primary purpose of recreation and a height of 33 feet. It impounds Raccoon Creek and has a storage capacity of 1150 acre-feet, serving a surface area of 55 acres and a drainage area of 5.8 square miles.
Despite its recreational value, Cherry Valley Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition. Its last inspection in March 2021 revealed the need for maintenance and improvement. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unspecified, raising concerns about its safety and resilience in the face of climate change impacts.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts in Washington County, Pennsylvania, should be aware of the critical state of Cherry Valley Dam. With its outdated infrastructure and poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for proactive risk management and emergency preparedness measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the dam's recreational and environmental functions in the changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
RACCOON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
55 |
Drainage Area |
5.8 |
Nid Storage |
1150 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Chartiers Creek At Carnegie
|
176cfs |
Kings Creek At Weirton
|
44cfs |
Ohio River At Sewickley
|
45000cfs |
Raccoon Creek At Moffatts Mill
|
103cfs |
Monongahela River At Elizabeth
|
21100cfs |
Short Creek Near Dillonvale Oh
|
78cfs |
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.
Cherry Valley