Crystal Run Reservoir

Crystal Run Reservoir is an earth dam located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, built in 1898. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Crystal Run Reservoir

The primary purpose of Crystal Run Reservoir 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 Municipal Authority Of The Township Of Blythe (local government). It impounds the Crystal Run.

The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 450 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 310 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1898, the structure is over a century 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 11/05/2020.

At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% 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 HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StatePennsylvania
CountySchuylkill
River/StreamCrystal Run
Coordinates40.69806, -76.32000

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height38 ft
Dam Height38 ft
Dam Length450 ft
Year Completed1898 (128 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage310 acre-ft
Max Storage310 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerMUNICIPAL AUTHORITY OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BLYTHE
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection11/05/2020
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDPA00677
Federal IDPA00677
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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