Leavitt Branch (Pa-463) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Leavitt Branch (Pa-463) is a crucial earth dam located in Barrett Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

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.

Years Modified

2008 - Other

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

90

River Or Stream

LEAVITT BRANCH BRODHEAD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

6.52

Nid Storage

1544

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

90
       
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.