Brechbill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Brechbill Dam, located in Stony Fork, Pennsylvania, was completed in 1974 and is primarily used for recreational purposes, including fish and wildlife pond activities.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 15 feet and a length of 950 feet, serves as a vital water resource in the area, providing a maximum storage capacity of 123 acre-feet. The dam is owned by a private entity and designed by the USDA NRCS, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.

Despite its low hazard potential, Brechbill Dam is regarded as having a moderate risk level, with a DSAC assigned date yet to be determined. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 30 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge capacity of 319 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently unavailable, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are also pending updates. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Brechbill Dam a fascinating subject for study, given its impact on the local ecosystem and recreational opportunities along the Tr-Stony Fork river.

In the absence of recent inspection data, Brechbill Dam remains a key feature in Tioga, Pennsylvania, contributing to the region's water storage capacity and overall environmental sustainability. With its stone core type and earth dam structure, the dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners and federal agencies like the USDA NRCS in managing water resources effectively. As stakeholders continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition and risk level, Brechbill Dam serves as a valuable case study for understanding the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and recreational infrastructure in the region.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Tr- Stony Fork

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

123

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.