National Dam Inspection Program. Patsy's Lake Dam (NDI ID Number PA-565, DER ID Number 26-5), Ohio River Basin, Tributary Saltlick Run, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Phase I Inspection Report

Abstract

Abstract : The assessment of Patsy's Lake Dam is based upon visual observations made at the time of inspection, hydraulic and hydrologic computations and past operational performance. The Patsy's Lake Dam appears to be in poor condition. The entire downstream slope of the dam is heavily vegetated. A portion of the downstream slope had been cleared, as observed during the May 12, 1981 inspection. The brush and small trees area being cut by the owner in an uncontrolled manner. The potential for erosion of the downstream slope of the dam exists. Potential erosion exists due to occassional pumping of reservoir water to supply water to a coal cleaning plant located near the dam. The water supply line has broken in the past, causing significant erosion to the downstream slope. A wet area was observed near the left abutment of the dam. It appeared as though the wet area was due to surface runoff from the left abutment. Dense vegetation exists in the spillway discharge channel. The dense vegetation could retard flow in the channel. The Patsy's Lake Dam is a high hazard-small size dam. The recommended Spillway Design Flood (SDF) for a dam of this size and classification, is in the range of 1/2 PMF to PMF. Based on the downstream potential for loss of life, the spillway design flood has been selected as the PMF. The spillway and reservoir are capable of controlling approximately 12% of the PMF, without overtopping the embankment low spot. Based on criteria established by the Corps of Engineers, the spillway is termed seriously inadequate. Patsy's Lake Dam is classified as an unsafe, non-emergency structure.