Smith and Ponzo

TR NORTH BRANCH PIGEON CREEK· Washington, Pennsylvania· Built 1939· Earth· 24 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Smith and Ponzo is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 52.7% in PA)
Dam Length283 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage79 acre-ft
Normal Storage30 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDPA01096

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: October 19, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

LOUIS A. PONZO

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smith and Ponzo?

Smith and Ponzo 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 Smith and Ponzo?

Smith and Ponzo is owned by LOUIS A. PONZO (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Smith and Ponzo built?

Smith and Ponzo was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Smith and Ponzo?

Smith and Ponzo 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 Smith and Ponzo?

Smith and Ponzo has a dam height of 24 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 Smith and Ponzo last inspected?

Smith and Ponzo was last inspected on October 19, 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.