Mill Creek Detention Basin
Mill Creek Detention Basin is an other dam located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, built in 1986. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Mill Creek Detention Basin
The primary purpose of Mill Creek Detention Basin 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 Upper Moreland Township (local government). It impounds the Tr Pennypack Creek.
The dam stands 11 feet tall and stretches 65 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 43 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1986, the structure is 40 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 12/09/2020.
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 | Montgomery |
| River/Stream | Tr Pennypack Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.16306, -75.12028 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Other |
| NID Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 65 ft |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 43 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 43 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | UPPER MORELAND TOWNSHIP |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 12/09/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA01404 |
| Federal ID | PA01404 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |