Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8

ALLEGHENY RIVER· Armstrong, Pennsylvania· Built 1931· Gravity·
Low Hazard Navigation Hydroelectric Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8 is classified as low hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1931 and is 95 years old. Its primary use is navigation.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,064 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage15.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage15.2K acre-ft
Surface Area1,010 acres
Drainage Area8,844 sq mi
Max Discharge70,000 cfs
Year Completed1931 (95 years old)
NID IDPA00118

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 23, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Pittsburgh District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8?

Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8 is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8?

Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8 is owned by USACE - Pittsburgh District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8 built?

Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8 was completed in 1931, making it 95 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8?

Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8 serves the following purposes: Navigation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8 last inspected?

Allegheny River Lock and Dam 8 was last inspected on October 23, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.