Howells Run
Howells Run is an earth dam located in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, built in 1964. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Howells Run
The primary purpose of Howells 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 Borough Of Ebensburg (local government). It impounds the Howells Run.
The dam stands 64 feet tall and stretches 670 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 82 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,076 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1964, 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 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 09/23/2020.
At 64 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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.
Location
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Cambria |
| River/Stream | Howells Run |
| Coordinates | 40.49667, -78.71667 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 64 ft |
| Dam Height | 64 ft |
| Dam Length | 670 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,076 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,076 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,324 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 82 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | BOROUGH OF EBENSBURG |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/23/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA00434 |
| Federal ID | PA00434 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |