Scotch Valley Estates

SCOTCH RUN· Columbia, Pennsylvania· Built 1978· Earth· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Scotch Valley Estates is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 14 ft (taller than 23.9% in PA)
Dam Length1,060 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage560 acre-ft
Normal Storage267 acre-ft
Surface Area62 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1978 (48 years old)
NID IDPA01533

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: No
Last Inspection: October 14, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

SCOTCH VALLEY ESTATES, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Scotch Valley Estates?

Scotch Valley Estates 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 Scotch Valley Estates?

Scotch Valley Estates is owned by SCOTCH VALLEY ESTATES, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Scotch Valley Estates built?

Scotch Valley Estates was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Scotch Valley Estates?

Scotch Valley Estates serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Scotch Valley Estates?

Scotch Valley Estates has a dam height of 14 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 Scotch Valley Estates last inspected?

Scotch Valley Estates was last inspected on October 14, 2016. 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.