Leavitt Branch (Pa-463) is a crucial earth dam located in Barrett Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Built in 1976 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a flood risk reduction structure for the Leavitt Branch of Brodhead Creek. With a height of 90 feet and a length of 1250 feet, it has a storage capacity of 1544 acre-feet, providing protection to a drainage area of 6.52 square miles. This dam is under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality.

Despite its significant role in flood risk reduction, Leavitt Branch (Pa-463) has a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition. Its last inspection in January 2021 revealed the need for maintenance and improvement. While the dam has undergone modifications in 2008, its current state raises concerns about its effectiveness in managing potential flooding events. With Matt Cartwright (D) as the congressional representative for the area, there is a clear need for continued monitoring, risk assessment, and potential risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding communities and water resources in the event of a flood emergency.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the critical role of structures like Leavitt Branch (Pa-463) in protecting communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. By staying informed about the condition and regulatory oversight of such dams, we can advocate for necessary improvements and support emergency preparedness efforts to mitigate risks and ensure the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.