Beaverdam Run
Beaverdam Run is an earth dam located in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, built in 1975. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Beaverdam Run
The primary purpose of Beaverdam 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 Highland Sewer And Water Authority (local government). It impounds the Beaverdam Run.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 1,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 360 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 12,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1975, 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 09/18/2020.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% 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.
Location
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Cambria |
| River/Stream | Beaverdam Run |
| Coordinates | 40.32000, -78.66111 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 12,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 12,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7,700 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 360 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | HIGHLAND SEWER AND WATER AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/18/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA00805 |
| Federal ID | PA00805 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |