Mcdowell Detention Basin
Mcdowell Detention Basin is an earth dam located in Erie County, Pennsylvania, built in 2004. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Mcdowell Detention Basin
The primary purpose of Mcdowell 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 Millcreek Township (local government). It impounds the Tr Lake Erie.
The dam stands 11 feet tall and stretches 380 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 15 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 2004, the structure is relatively new.
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 10/16/2020.
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 | Erie |
| River/Stream | Tr Lake Erie |
| Coordinates | 42.07667, -80.15222 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 380 ft |
| Year Completed | 2004 (22 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/16/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA01821 |
| Federal ID | PA01821 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |