Shirfs Run

TR NORTH BR BLACK LICK CREEK· Cambria, Pennsylvania· Built 1925· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Shirfs Run is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 27.6% in PA)
Dam Length320 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage124 acre-ft
Normal Storage61 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1925 (101 years old)
NID IDPA00438

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: Yes
Last Inspection: March 20, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

SPANGLER MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shirfs Run?

Shirfs Run 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 Shirfs Run?

Shirfs Run is owned by SPANGLER MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Shirfs Run built?

Shirfs Run was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Shirfs Run?

Shirfs Run serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Shirfs Run?

Shirfs Run has a dam height of 15 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 Shirfs Run last inspected?

Shirfs Run was last inspected on March 20, 2019. 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.