Mill Creek Detention Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Mill Creek Detention Basin, located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the TR Pennypack Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1986, this buttress-type dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet. Managed by the local government of Upper Moreland Township, this detention basin plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding risks in the area.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the Mill Creek Detention Basin is regularly inspected to ensure its effectiveness in protecting the surrounding community. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oversees the regulatory aspects, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement, to maintain the dam's structural integrity and functionality. Despite its modest size, this detention basin plays a significant role in safeguarding the local area from potential flood events, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in addressing climate-related challenges.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme rainfall events, structures like the Mill Creek Detention Basin become increasingly essential in safeguarding communities against flood risks. The dedication of local government and state agencies in ensuring the proper management and maintenance of this critical infrastructure underscores the importance of proactive measures in adapting to a changing climate. By prioritizing flood risk reduction and investing in resilient water resource management strategies, the Mill Creek Detention Basin serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure development in the face of climate uncertainty.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

65

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

TR PENNYPACK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Other

Drainage Area

1.82

Nid Storage

43

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.