Sugar Run

Sugar Run is an earth dam located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, built in 1907. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Sugar Run

The primary purpose of Sugar Run is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Highridge Water Authority (local government). It impounds the Tr Conemaugh River.

The dam stands 60 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 22 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 467 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1907, the structure is over a century 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/07/2020.

At 60 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.

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 HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StatePennsylvania
CountyWestmoreland
River/StreamTr Conemaugh River
Coordinates40.37639, -79.02278

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height60 ft
Dam Height60 ft
Dam Length900 ft
Year Completed1907 (119 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage467 acre-ft
Max Storage467 acre-ft
Normal Storage380 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerHIGHRIDGE WATER AUTHORITY
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/07/2020
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDPA00460
Federal IDPA00460
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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