Whitford Ridge Detention Basin Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in West Whiteland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the Whitford Ridge Detention Basin is a private earth dam designed for flood risk reduction along the TR Valley Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1992, this structure stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 940 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 22.2 acre-feet across a drainage area of 0.55 square miles. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the basin is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its effectiveness in mitigating potential flood hazards in the region.
Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the Whitford Ridge Detention Basin plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from flooding events. With a scheduled inspection frequency of every two years, the basin is equipped to handle emergency situations, although the specifics of its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk management measures remain undisclosed. While no inundation maps or risk assessments have been publicly shared, the existence of this essential flood control infrastructure underscores the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing urban development in Pennsylvania.
Under the oversight of the Pennsylvania state government and the Baltimore District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Whitford Ridge Detention Basin stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in water resource protection. With the potential to alleviate flood risks and enhance community resilience, this structure serves as a vital component of the region's overall water management strategy, highlighting the critical intersection between infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, and climate adaptation in safeguarding our natural resources for generations to come.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
940 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR VALLEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.55 |
Nid Storage |
22.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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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