Encke Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Encke is a private dam located in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, along the TR Shaffers Run river.


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Summary

Built in 1994, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 46 feet and has a length of 475 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 33.6 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 27 acre-feet. With a surface area of 2.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, Encke primarily serves a recreational purpose for water enthusiasts in the area.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Encke is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. Despite its low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and integrity. While there are no associated structures or emergency action plan in place, Encke remains a key feature in the water resource infrastructure of the region, contributing to the overall water management and recreational activities along the TR Shaffers Run river.

Encke, with its picturesque location and recreational offerings, represents a vital piece of the water resource infrastructure in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. As a privately owned dam with state regulation and permitting, it stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate can appreciate the role that Encke plays in providing both recreational opportunities and water storage capacity for the local community, all while ensuring safety and compliance with state regulations.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

TR SHAFFERS RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

33.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

46
       
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.