Knecht Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Knecht is a privately owned dam located in Mifflin Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Constructed in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 340 feet along the TR Black Creek. With a primary purpose of recreation, Knecht provides a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 28 acre-feet.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Knecht is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, Knecht serves as a vital structure for recreational activities while also helping to manage water resources in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Knecht offers a glimpse into the management of dams and their role in providing recreational opportunities while also serving as important infrastructure for water storage and management in Pennsylvania. Its location, design, and maintenance reflect the ongoing efforts to balance recreation and water resource needs in the area.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR BLACK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.