West Side Detention is a local government-owned Earth dam located in Roseto Borough, Northampton, Pennsylvania. Completed in 1994, this structure serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR Martins Creek. With a dam height of 9 feet and a length of 350 feet, West Side Detention has a storage capacity of 5.3 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.39 square miles.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, West Side Detention is regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational readiness. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and undergoes regular inspections to mitigate risks and protect the surrounding community. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is expected to be prepared in accordance with established guidelines for effective risk management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, West Side Detention presents an intriguing case study in flood risk reduction infrastructure. With its location in a high-hazard area, the dam's role in protecting lives and property from potential inundation highlights the importance of proper management and maintenance of critical water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, understanding the role of structures like West Side Detention in mitigating flood risks is crucial for sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.