Mill Creek Detention Basin

TR PENNYPACK CREEK· Montgomery, Pennsylvania· Built 1986· Other· 11 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mill Creek Detention Basin is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 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 11 ft (taller than 13.2% in PA)
Dam Length65 ft
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage43 acre-ft
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1986 (40 years old)
NID IDPA01404

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: December 9, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

UPPER MORELAND TOWNSHIP

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Creek Detention Basin?

Mill Creek Detention Basin 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 Mill Creek Detention Basin?

Mill Creek Detention Basin is owned by UPPER MORELAND TOWNSHIP (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mill Creek Detention Basin built?

Mill Creek Detention Basin was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Mill Creek Detention Basin?

Mill Creek Detention Basin 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 Mill Creek Detention Basin?

Mill Creek Detention Basin has a dam height of 11 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 Mill Creek Detention Basin last inspected?

Mill Creek Detention Basin was last inspected on December 9, 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.