Scotch Valley Estates Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Scotch Valley Estates, located in Beaver Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned dam regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a length of 1060 feet, providing a storage capacity of 560 acre-feet. The dam, situated along Scotch Run, serves a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply, with a normal storage level of 267 acre-feet.

Despite its relatively small size, Scotch Valley Estates poses a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently listed as "not rated." The dam has undergone inspections at a frequency of once every 1 year, with the last recorded inspection taking place in October 2016. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not explicitly mentioned in the available data, the dam's location within a high-risk area underscores the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the surrounding environment. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the intricacies of Scotch Valley Estates provide a compelling case study in the ongoing management of aging infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

1060

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

SCOTCH RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

560

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.