Alder Marsh

ALDER MARSH BROOK· Wayne, Pennsylvania· Built 1948· Earth· 10 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Alder Marsh is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 8.3% in PA)
Dam Length175 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage266 acre-ft
Normal Storage78 acre-ft
Surface Area39 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1948 (78 years old)
NID IDPA00153

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 10, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

PA GAME COMMISSION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Alder Marsh?

Alder Marsh is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Alder Marsh?

Alder Marsh is owned by PA GAME COMMISSION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Alder Marsh built?

Alder Marsh was completed in 1948, making it 78 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Alder Marsh?

Alder Marsh serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Alder Marsh?

Alder Marsh has a dam height of 10 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Alder Marsh last inspected?

Alder Marsh was last inspected on December 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.