Walden Woods Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Walden Woods, located in North Fayette Township, Pennsylvania, is a local government-owned dam that plays a vital role in flood risk reduction along the TR MONTOUR RUN river.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in the year 2000, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans 200 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 16.3 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.26 square miles, Walden Woods serves as a crucial resource for managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the surrounding area.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Walden Woods is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose, this dam is regularly assessed to maintain its satisfactory condition. Despite its critical role in flood risk reduction, Walden Woods does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, indicating potential areas for improvement in emergency preparedness and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Walden Woods presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and water management. Its significance in flood control, coupled with its location in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, highlights the intersection of environmental protection, public safety, and infrastructure development. As efforts to address climate change intensify, the management and maintenance of structures like Walden Woods will be crucial in adapting to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and ensuring the resilience of communities against natural disasters.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR MONTOUR RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.26

Nid Storage

16.3

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.