Horsham Towne Lower Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Horsham Towne Lower Pond, located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the TR Pennypack Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1988, this private earth dam stands at 16 feet in height and stretches 470 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 11 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Horsham Towne Lower Pond is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in November 2015. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oversees the regulatory aspects of this dam, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam's normal storage capacity of 4 acre-feet and surface area of 1 acre highlight its importance in managing water resources in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Horsham Towne Lower Pond offers a fascinating example of how infrastructure can be utilized to mitigate flood risks in a community. Its strategic location, design features, and ongoing regulatory oversight showcase the intersection of engineering, environmental protection, and public safety. Monitoring the condition and functionality of this dam remains crucial in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation, underscoring the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR PENNYPACK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.