Hidden Valley dam
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley, also known as Cusicks, is a private earth dam located in Butler, Pennsylvania, near Greece City. Built in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this recreational structure stands at 25 feet tall and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including creating a fish and wildlife pond, as well as providing recreational opportunities for visitors.
Situated on the Connoquenessing Creek, Hidden Valley's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a vital resource for the local community. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available. While the risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unclear, Hidden Valley remains a picturesque location for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.
With its tranquil setting and potential for outdoor activities, Hidden Valley is an important part of the natural landscape in Pennsylvania. Managed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam offers a unique blend of recreational and environmental benefits, making it a valuable asset for both locals and visitors alike. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Hidden Valley stands as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Hidden Valley -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Allegheny River At Parker | 12,700 cfs | → |
| Muddy Creek Near Portersville | 69 cfs | → |
| Buffalo Creek Near Freeport | 323 cfs | → |
| Allegheny River At Kittanning | 15,300 cfs | → |
| Slippery Rock Creek At Wurtemburg | 534 cfs | → |
| Connoquenessing Creek Near Zelienople | 211 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Hidden Valley.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Burnt Ridge Campground
- Copperhead Retreat
- Danner Campground
- Kamp Kennerdell
- Seneca Hills Bible Camp & Retreat Center
- Harts Content Campground
Paddle runs
More reservoirs
Track Hidden Valley in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Hidden Valley
Where does the data for Hidden Valley come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Hidden Valley.