Little Schuylkill River (Pa-422) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The Little Schuylkill River (Pa-422) is a vital water resource in Pennsylvania, managed by local government authorities and designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This river is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its proper management and maintenance. Situated in Rush Township, Schuylkill County, this river serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with an earth dam standing at a height of 87 feet and a length of 700 feet.

Completed in 1968, the Little Schuylkill River dam has a storage capacity of 6000 acre-feet and covers a drainage area of 15.6 square miles. With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, regular inspections are conducted to ensure the safety and reliability of this structure. Although no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been prepared yet, the dam meets guidelines and is actively managed to mitigate risks and ensure proper risk management measures are in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of the Little Schuylkill River (Pa-422) as a key flood risk reduction infrastructure in Pennsylvania. Its strategic location and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices in safeguarding communities against potential hazards. With ongoing monitoring and maintenance, this dam continues to play a critical role in protecting the surrounding area and enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

87

River Or Stream

LITTLE SCHUYLKILL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

15.6

Nid Storage

6000

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

87
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.