Ethel Springs

TR MCGEE RUN· Westmoreland, Pennsylvania· Built 1900· Earth· 43 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Ethel Springs is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 43 ft (taller than 79.6% in PA)
Dam Length650 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage493 acre-ft
Normal Storage357 acre-ft
Surface Area34 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDPA01121

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: October 14, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

DERRY BOROUGH MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ethel Springs?

Ethel Springs 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 Ethel Springs?

Ethel Springs is owned by DERRY BOROUGH MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ethel Springs built?

Ethel Springs was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Ethel Springs?

Ethel Springs serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Ethel Springs?

Ethel Springs has a dam height of 43 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 Ethel Springs last inspected?

Ethel Springs was last inspected on October 14, 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.