Pa-483

WARD RUN· Washington, Pennsylvania· Built 1973· Earth· 74 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pa-483 is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 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 74 ft (taller than 92% in PA)
Dam Length360 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage523 acre-ft
Normal Storage35 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)
NID IDPA01124

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: November 4, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pa-483?

Pa-483 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 Pa-483?

Pa-483 is owned by WASHINGTON COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pa-483 built?

Pa-483 was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Pa-483?

Pa-483 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 Pa-483?

Pa-483 has a dam height of 74 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 Pa-483 last inspected?

Pa-483 was last inspected on November 4, 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.