Silver Creek Reservoir

SILVER CREEK· Schuylkill, Pennsylvania· Built 1850· Earth· 38 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Silver Creek Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 38 ft (taller than 75.2% in PA)
Dam Length1,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage850 acre-ft
Normal Storage640 acre-ft
Surface Area49 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1850 (176 years old)
NID IDPA00665

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 5, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BLYTHE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Silver Creek Reservoir?

Silver Creek Reservoir 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 Silver Creek Reservoir?

Silver Creek Reservoir is owned by MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BLYTHE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Silver Creek Reservoir built?

Silver Creek Reservoir was completed in 1850, making it 176 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 Silver Creek Reservoir?

Silver Creek Reservoir 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 Silver Creek Reservoir?

Silver Creek Reservoir has a dam height of 38 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 Silver Creek Reservoir last inspected?

Silver Creek Reservoir was last inspected on November 5, 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.