Isabella Fresh Water Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Isabella Fresh Water, located in Luzerne Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned dam designed for grade stabilization on Minnow Run.


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Summary

The dam, constructed out of earth with a buttress core type, stands at a height of 122 feet and has a length of 500 feet. It has a storage capacity of 1770 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 410 acre-feet and a surface area of 19.1 acres. The dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Isabella Fresh Water is currently assessed to be in fair condition. The last inspection, conducted in November 2017, deemed the dam to be structurally sound. While there are no emergency action plans or inundation maps prepared for the dam, its risk management measures and risk assessment are not specified in the available data. With its critical role in grade stabilization and water resource management, further information on the dam's risk mitigation strategies and emergency preparedness could provide valuable insights for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Located within the jurisdiction of the Huntington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Isabella Fresh Water serves as a vital infrastructure for water storage and control in the region. The dam's association with the Minnow Run, a local river or stream, underscores its importance in managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding risks. As water resources continue to face challenges from climate change and increasing demands, understanding the operational and regulatory aspects of dams like Isabella Fresh Water is essential for ensuring the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems and safeguarding communities against water-related hazards.

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

122

River Or Stream

MINNOW RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.1

Drainage Area

1.27

Nid Storage

1770

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

122
       
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.