Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee, located in Berks, Pennsylvania, is a crucial federal flood risk reduction structure managed by the U.S.


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Summary

Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Completed in 1977, this earth dam along the Tulpehocken Creek stands at 30 feet tall and spans 4800 feet, with a storage capacity of 129,900 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has not experienced any significant breaches to date.

USACE conducts regular inspections and monitoring of the Bernville Levee to ensure its structural integrity and readiness for extreme flood events. The risk assessment conducted in 2016 classified the levee's risk as "Moderate," primarily due to the potential for water from a very high reservoir event to flow over the levee, causing flooding in Bernville. To mitigate these risks, USACE closely monitors reservoir levels, conducts emergency exercises with local authorities, and stockpiles emergency response materials for rapid deployment in case of erosion or seepage at the levee.

Despite its risk classification, the Bernville Levee remains a vital component of the Bernville Protective Works (BPW) and plays a critical role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding threats. USACE's proactive risk management measures and collaborative efforts with local emergency management officials demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of the Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee system.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

4800

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TULPEHOCKEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1147

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

175

Nid Storage

129900

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

None - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

30
       
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.