Buhl Park

THORNTON RUN· Mercer, Pennsylvania· Built 1919· Earth· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Buhl Park is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1919 and is 107 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 14 ft (taller than 23.9% in PA)
Dam Length540 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage74 acre-ft
Normal Storage56 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1919 (107 years old)
NID IDPA01723

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: August 12, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

BUHL PARK CORPORATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buhl Park?

Buhl Park 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 Buhl Park?

Buhl Park is owned by BUHL PARK CORPORATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buhl Park built?

Buhl Park was completed in 1919, making it 107 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 Buhl Park?

Buhl Park 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 Buhl Park?

Buhl Park has a dam height of 14 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 Buhl Park last inspected?

Buhl Park was last inspected on August 12, 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.