Bishop Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bishop, located in Bell Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned dam regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

The dam, constructed for recreational purposes, is classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type. While specific details such as dam height, length, volume, and completion year are not provided, the dam is situated on TR Trout Run, within the Pittsburgh District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite being categorized as having significant hazard potential, the condition of Bishop dam is currently not rated. With a biennial inspection frequency, the dam is subject to regular assessments to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Although specific emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), have not been reported, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oversees the regulatory and enforcement aspects of the dam to mitigate risks and safeguard the surrounding environment. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management in the region would find Bishop dam an intriguing case study for understanding the intersection of private ownership, recreational usage, and regulatory oversight in dam infrastructure.

River Or Stream

TR TROUT RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown
       
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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.