Van Sciver Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Van Sciver Lake, located in Falls Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned recreational lake primarily used for leisure activities.


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Summary

The earth dam, standing at 18 feet tall and stretching 4915 feet in length, was completed in 1954 and is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating a potential need for maintenance or repairs in the near future.

With a normal storage capacity of 9115 acre-feet and a surface area of 700 acres, Van Sciver Lake offers ample space for water-based activities such as fishing and boating. The dam controls Scotts Creek and is situated within a drainage area of 1.8 square miles. Although the last inspection was conducted in June 2017, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years, the lake's emergency action plan status and risk assessment information remain undisclosed. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Van Sciver Lake to be an intriguing case study in the management and regulation of a privately owned recreational water body in Pennsylvania.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

4915

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

SCOTTS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

700

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

11481

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.