Pa-486 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Pa-486, also known as Harmon Creek, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Washington County, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

It was designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1979 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Paris Run river. With a height of 86 feet and a length of 440 feet, Pa-486 has a storage capacity of 750 acre-feet, serving as a crucial structure in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pa-486 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment is currently rated as satisfactory. This dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events and demonstrates the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies in safeguarding water resources and communities from the impacts of climate change.

With its significant storage capacity, Pa-486 serves as a key infrastructure for managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's satisfactory condition assessment, regular inspections, and regulatory oversight by state agencies highlight the importance of proactive measures in addressing climate-related challenges. As a local government-owned structure, Pa-486 exemplifies the critical role that dams play in protecting communities and enhancing resilience to the impacts of extreme weather events in Pennsylvania.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

86

River Or Stream

PARIS RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

750

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

86
       
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.