Rapp Run Flood Retarding Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Rapp Run Flood Retarding is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
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Summary
Completed in 2014, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 700 feet along Rapp Run. With a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet, this dam plays a pivotal role in minimizing the impact of flooding in the area, as it is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.
Managed by the local government, Rapp Run Flood Retarding serves as a vital resource for the community, protecting against potential hazards with its high hazard potential classification. Despite its critical role in flood risk reduction, the dam has not been modified in recent years, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to safeguard its effectiveness. With a designated emergency action plan in place, this structure remains prepared to handle any unforeseen events, underscoring its importance in water resource and climate management for enthusiasts in the field.
As a significant component of the flood control infrastructure in the region, Rapp Run Flood Retarding plays a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. With a focus on flood risk reduction as its primary purpose, this earth dam stands as a testament to proactive water resource management efforts, emphasizing the importance of proper regulation, inspection, and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and protect the surrounding community from the impacts of flooding. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this structure serves as a compelling example of the intersection between infrastructure development, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
2014 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
RAPP RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
1.84 |
Nid Storage |
175 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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