Richardson
Key Takeaway
Richardson is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 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 | 26 ft (taller than 58.2% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 63 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 59 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
| NID ID | PA01244 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
DR. JAMES RICHARDSON
Private
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High Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Richardson?
Richardson 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 Richardson?
Richardson is owned by DR. JAMES RICHARDSON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Richardson built?
Richardson was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Richardson?
Richardson 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 Richardson?
Richardson has a dam height of 26 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 Richardson last inspected?
Richardson was last inspected on November 13, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.