Hidden Valley Pond No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hidden Valley Pond No 1, located in Somerset, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1987 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at 21 feet high and spans 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and a surface area of 0.94 acres. Situated on Gross Run in Jefferson Township, this dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and high hazard potential are managed effectively.

Despite its relatively small size, Hidden Valley Pond No 1 plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction and irrigation for the surrounding area. With a drainage area of 0.22 square miles, the dam serves as a vital water resource for agricultural needs and maintains a normal storage capacity of 7 acre-feet. Its location within the Baltimore District and oversight by state regulatory agencies ensure that proper enforcement, inspection, and permitting processes are in place to safeguard the community from potential hazards and ensure the dam's continued functionality for years to come.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Hidden Valley Pond No 1 as a hidden gem in Pennsylvania's landscape, combining engineering ingenuity with environmental stewardship. Its role in supporting local agriculture, managing flood risks, and providing a critical water source underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate. As the dam continues to be monitored and maintained, it stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resources in creating resilient water systems for the future.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

GROSS RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.94

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

15

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.