Snyner-Westhaver Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Snyner-Westhaver is a private earth dam located in Cumberland, Pennsylvania, with a primary purpose of irrigation along the TR Yellow Breeches Creek.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1979, stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 1.07 square miles and a surface area of 11 acres, Snyner-Westhaver plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Snyner-Westhaver is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite not having an Emergency Action Plan in place, Snyner-Westhaver continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for irrigation purposes in the area. As a significant part of the local water resource system, the dam's role in managing water flow and storage is essential for climate resilience and agricultural sustainability in the region.

The location of Snyner-Westhaver in South Middleton Township, along with its association with the Baltimore District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, underscores the collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the dam. With a focus on irrigation and water management, Snyner-Westhaver stands as a testament to the intersection of water resources, climate adaptation, and infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of sustainable water practices in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR YELLOW BREECHES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

1.07

Nid Storage

79

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.