Knox Road Detention

WEST BRANCH INDIAN CREEK· Montgomery, Pennsylvania· Built 1979· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Knox Road Detention is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 8.3% in PA)
Dam Length480 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage8 acre-ft
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)
NID IDPA01484

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 22, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MERION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Knox Road Detention?

Knox Road Detention is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Knox Road Detention?

Knox Road Detention is owned by TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MERION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Knox Road Detention built?

Knox Road Detention was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Knox Road Detention?

Knox Road Detention 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 Knox Road Detention?

Knox Road Detention has a dam height of 10 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 Knox Road Detention last inspected?

Knox Road Detention was last inspected on March 22, 2019. 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.