Brinkerton

TR SEWICKLEY CREEK· Westmoreland, Pennsylvania· Built 1903· Earth· 29 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Brinkerton is classified as low hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 29 ft (taller than 63.4% in PA)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage25 acre-ft
Normal Storage43 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1903 (123 years old)
NID IDPA01117

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 22, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

TIM AND NEVA SHIELD

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Brinkerton?

Brinkerton is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Brinkerton?

Brinkerton is owned by TIM AND NEVA SHIELD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Brinkerton built?

Brinkerton was completed in 1903, making it 123 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 Brinkerton?

Brinkerton 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 Brinkerton?

Brinkerton has a dam height of 29 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 Brinkerton last inspected?

Brinkerton was last inspected on June 22, 2017. 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.