Yingst Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Yingst is a privately owned dam located in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, along the TR Fishing Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1999, this Earth-type dam serves primarily as a recreational site, with secondary purposes including irrigation. Standing at 16 feet tall and spanning 585 feet in length, Yingst has a storage capacity of 33.62 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.53 acres. It is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections, with its hazard potential classified as significant.

In terms of safety and maintenance, Yingst has been assessed as satisfactory, with a condition assessment indicating no immediate concerns. The dam has a designated inspection frequency of every two years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2018. While emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps are not currently documented for Yingst, the dam remains under state jurisdiction and enforcement. With its location in West Hanover Township and the oversight of the Buffalo District, Yingst stands as a vital water resource within the region, serving both recreational and irrigation needs for the community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Yingst presents an intriguing case study in dam management and regulation. With its significant hazard potential and reliance on state oversight, the dam underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both safety and recreational purposes. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Yingst become crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water supply. By staying informed and engaged in the management of dams like Yingst, enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation of these essential water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

585

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR FISHING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.53

Drainage Area

0.61

Nid Storage

33.62

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.