West Side Detention Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

West Side Detention is a local government-owned Earth dam located in Roseto Borough, Northampton, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TR MARTINS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.39

Nid Storage

5.3

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.