Clarion U.-Venango Campus West End Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Clarion U.-Venango Campus West End is a state-regulated recreational dam located in Oil City, Pennsylvania, along the TR Allegheny River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a length of 200 feet, this earth dam serves as a key water resource for the area, providing a storage capacity of 8.6 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 0.75 acres. Despite its small size, the dam has a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in October 2020. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based enjoyment for the local community. While no major modifications or enhancements have been made in recent years, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Located within the Buffalo District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Clarion U.-Venango Campus West End stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and environmental stewardship. As climate change impacts become more pronounced, the significance of sustainable water infrastructure like this dam only grows, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptation strategies to safeguard our precious water resources for future generations.

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR ALLEGHENY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.75

Drainage Area

1.25

Nid Storage

8.6

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.