Royal Reservoir

ROWES RUN· Fayette, Pennsylvania· Built 1908· Earth· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Royal Reservoir is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1908 and is 118 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 67.5% in PA)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage239 acre-ft
Normal Storage82 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1908 (118 years old)
NID IDPA00220

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: No
Last Inspection: December 1, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

SANDRA A. FOYLE

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Royal Reservoir?

Royal Reservoir 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 Royal Reservoir?

Royal Reservoir is owned by SANDRA A. FOYLE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Royal Reservoir built?

Royal Reservoir was completed in 1908, making it 118 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 Royal Reservoir?

Royal Reservoir 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 Royal Reservoir?

Royal Reservoir has a dam height of 32 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 Royal Reservoir last inspected?

Royal Reservoir was last inspected on December 1, 2017. 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.