Merriman is a private-owned dam located in Muddy Creek Township, Butler, Pennsylvania. Built in 1966, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 740 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 136 acre-feet. Situated on the TR Yellow Creek, Merriman primarily serves a recreational purpose, offering a surface area of 7 acres for outdoor activities.

Despite its recreational function, Merriman poses a high hazard potential, with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2020. The dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes are in place. While the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 95 acre-feet, it also presents some level of risk requiring further assessment and potential risk management measures to be put in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Merriman presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management and the intersection of recreational use with potential hazard risks. With its location in a picturesque setting in Pennsylvania, the dam's condition and regulatory oversight offer valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining and monitoring such critical water structures for both safety and sustainable use.