Rossiter Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Rossiter, located in Canoe Township, Pennsylvania, is a vital water supply dam on the TR Canoe Creek, serving as a primary source of water for the region.


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Summary

Built in 1919, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 49 acre-feet. Although the dam is regulated and inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, it has been rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment.

Despite its age, Rossiter continues to play a crucial role in providing water for local communities in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. With a normal storage capacity of 17 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres, this dam serves as a lifeline for the area's water needs. However, concerns have been raised about its condition and the potential hazards it poses, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential water resource.

As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the significance of structures like Rossiter becomes even more pronounced. With the potential for increased extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns, the need to assess and address the risks associated with aging dams like Rossiter is paramount. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, it is crucial to advocate for the continued maintenance, inspection, and potential upgrades to ensure the resilience and sustainability of vital water supply systems like Rossiter in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR CANOE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

49

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.