West Surge Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

West Surge Pond, located in Shippingport Borough, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1974 with a primary purpose classified as 'Other'.


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Summary

This dam, standing at 27 feet high and stretching 750 feet in length, serves as a significant water resource structure within the WTRSHD OHIO RIVER watershed. With a storage capacity of 45.2 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.08 square miles, West Surge Pond plays a crucial role in water management and regulation in the region.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, West Surge Pond is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential, but its current condition is assessed as satisfactory. The last inspection took place in November 2017, with a regular inspection frequency of every two years. While the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans, additional risk assessment and management measures may need to be implemented to enhance its resilience to potential climate-related challenges.

Overall, West Surge Pond stands as a vital component of the water infrastructure in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, serving as a key resource for water supply, flood control, and environmental protection. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and management of structures like West Surge Pond are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water systems in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

WTRSHD OHIO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

45.2

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.