Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee
Key Takeaway
Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 30 ft (taller than 65% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 4,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 129.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,147 acres |
| Drainage Area | 175 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00925 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
USACE - Philadelphia District
Federal Government
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Significant Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee?
Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee 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 Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee?
Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee is owned by USACE - Philadelphia District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee built?
Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee?
Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee?
Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee has a dam height of 30 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 Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee last inspected?
Blue Marsh Dam - Bernville Levee was last inspected on May 2, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.