Bull Run

Bull Run is an earth dam located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, built in 1934. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Bull Run

The primary purpose of Bull Run 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 City Of Jeannette (local government). It impounds the Bull Run.

The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 520 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 20 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 383 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1934, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 09/20/2019.

At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% 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 HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StatePennsylvania
CountyWestmoreland
River/StreamBull Run
Coordinates40.34806, -79.60528

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height44 ft
Dam Height44 ft
Dam Length520 ft
Year Completed1934 (92 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage383 acre-ft
Max Storage383 acre-ft
Normal Storage180 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerCITY OF JEANNETTE
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection09/20/2019
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDPA00463
Federal IDPA00463
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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