Hadley (pa-489)

Hadley (pa-489) is an earth dam located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, built in 1968. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Hadley (pa-489)

The primary purpose of Hadley (pa-489) is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Mercer County Commissioners (local government). It impounds the Morrison Run.

The dam stands 51 feet tall and stretches 750 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 820 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1968, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/10/2020.

At 51 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Pennsylvania dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StatePennsylvania
CountyMercer
River/StreamMorrison Run
Coordinates41.42622, -80.25051

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height51 ft
Dam Height51 ft
Dam Length750 ft
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage820 acre-ft
Max Storage820 acre-ft
Normal Storage25 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerMERCER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection09/10/2020
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDPA00245
Federal IDPA00245
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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