North Branch Dunlap Creek (Pa-470) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The North Branch Dunlap Creek (Pa-470) is a significant earth dam located in Fayette, Pennsylvania, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1974 and owned by the local government, this dam stands at a height of 57 feet and has a length of 1100 feet. With a storage capacity of 1300 acre-feet, it serves various purposes including flood risk reduction and recreation for the community.

Regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition according to the most recent inspection in August 2020. The designer of the dam is USDA NRCS, and it is under the jurisdiction of the state with permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Located in Menallen Township, this dam on the North Branch of Dunlap Creek is a vital infrastructure that provides recreational opportunities while also managing flood risks in the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the engineering and regulatory aspects of such structures like the North Branch Dunlap Creek (Pa-470) can help in appreciating the importance of water management and safety measures for sustainable development.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

TR DUNLAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

1300

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

57
       
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.