Pa-480 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pa-479 Dinsmore No 2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pa-480, located in Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR Harmon Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 66 feet and spans 555 feet, providing a storage capacity of 419 acre-feet and a normal storage of 25 acre-feet. With a surface area of 3.6 acres and a drainage area of 1.09 square miles, Pa-480 plays a significant role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flooding in the region.
Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pa-480 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, this dam is subject to regular inspections and emergency preparedness protocols to safeguard surrounding communities in case of unforeseen events. Despite its age, Pa-480 continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in Washington County.
As a primary source of flood risk reduction in the area, Pa-480 not only contributes to the protection of local communities but also reflects the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and federal designers like the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With its crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation, Pa-480 stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure in addressing environmental challenges and safeguarding communities against the impacts of climate change.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
555 |
Dam Height |
66 |
River Or Stream |
TR HARMON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.6 |
Drainage Area |
1.09 |
Nid Storage |
419 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
66 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kings Creek At Weirton
|
10cfs |
Ohio River At Sewickley
|
17300cfs |
Yellow Creek Near Hammondsville Oh
|
26cfs |
Short Creek Near Dillonvale Oh
|
43cfs |
Chartiers Creek At Carnegie
|
94cfs |
Raccoon Creek At Moffatts Mill
|
29cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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