Cresswell Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cresswell Lower is a privately owned earth dam located in Mercer, Pennsylvania, within Sandy Creek Township.


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Summary

Built in 2002, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.4 acres. Situated on TR Morrison Run, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Despite being designed for recreation, Cresswell Lower poses a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The last inspection conducted in October 2017 revealed an inspection frequency of 2 and highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures remain unknown.

As a water resource and climate enthusiast, the data on Cresswell Lower's dam structure offers insight into the complexities of managing and regulating dams for recreational use. The significant hazard potential calls for increased attention to its maintenance and emergency preparedness, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

2002

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR MORRISON RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.4

Drainage Area

0.33

Nid Storage

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.