Briar Creek (Pa 498)
Key Takeaway
Briar Creek (Pa 498) is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1987 and is 39 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 | 70 ft (taller than 91.5% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 665 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1987 (39 years old) |
| NID ID | PA01261 |
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
COLUMBIA COUNTY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Sunset Lake
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Low Hazard 12 ftBriar Creek Lake Pa-497
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High Hazard 39 ftKnecht
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Low Hazard 12 ftLake Pinecrest
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High Hazard 18 ftScotch Valley Estates
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High Hazard 14 ftShickshinny Lake
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High Hazard 33 ftHidden Lake
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Significant Hazard 20 ftMountain Shadow Lake
Columbia, PA
High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Briar Creek (Pa 498)?
Briar Creek (Pa 498) 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 Briar Creek (Pa 498)?
Briar Creek (Pa 498) is owned by COLUMBIA COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Briar Creek (Pa 498) built?
Briar Creek (Pa 498) was completed in 1987, making it 39 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 Briar Creek (Pa 498)?
Briar Creek (Pa 498) 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 Briar Creek (Pa 498)?
Briar Creek (Pa 498) has a dam height of 70 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 Briar Creek (Pa 498) last inspected?
Briar Creek (Pa 498) was last inspected on June 12, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.