Sunset Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Sunset Lake, located in Briar Creek Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned reservoir regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, with a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, serves primarily for non-federal purposes with a low hazard potential. The dam, situated on the Shickshinny Creek, has a surface area of 18 acres and drains an area of 3 square miles.

Although last inspected in July 2014 with a low hazard potential rating, Sunset Lake's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." The dam has not undergone significant modifications or enhancements since its completion and has not been assigned an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or risk assessment. Despite its relatively small size and low hazard potential, Sunset Lake remains an important water resource in Columbia County, providing both recreational and ecological benefits to the surrounding community.

As climate change continues to impact water resources across the globe, monitoring and maintaining the integrity of dams like Sunset Lake are crucial for ensuring water security and mitigating potential risks. With its serene setting and vital role in local water management, Sunset Lake remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainability and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

SHICKSHINNY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.