Sugar Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Sugar Creek is a privately-owned dam located in Troy Township, Bradford, Pennsylvania, with a primary purpose of grade stabilization.


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Summary

Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 250 feet, providing a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet. The dam helps control the flow of the South Branch Sugar Creek, which has a drainage area of 1.1 square miles.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Sugar Creek is considered to have a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently rated as satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted, with the latest one taking place in October 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its intended function effectively, contributing to the overall water resource management efforts in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sugar Creek represents a vital piece of infrastructure that plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the surrounding ecosystem. As a regulated and inspected dam, it underscores the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Its continued operation serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage and conserve water resources in Pennsylvania.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH SUGAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

147

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.