Alvin R. Bush Dam

KETTLE CREEK· Clinton, Pennsylvania· Built 1962· Rockfill· 165 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Alvin R. Bush Dam is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	165 ft (taller than 98.6% in PA)
Dam Length	1,350 ft
Dam Type	Rockfill
Max Storage	117.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	1.9K acre-ft

Surface Area	159 acres
Drainage Area	226 sq mi
Max Discharge	127,000 cfs
Year Completed	1962 (64 years old)
NID ID	PA00002

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: May 24, 2018

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Baltimore District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

George B Stevenson

Cameron, PA

High Hazard 166 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Alvin R. Bush Dam?

Alvin R. Bush Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Alvin R. Bush Dam?

Alvin R. Bush Dam is owned by USACE - Baltimore District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Alvin R. Bush Dam built?

Alvin R. Bush Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Alvin R. Bush Dam?

Alvin R. Bush Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Alvin R. Bush Dam?

Alvin R. Bush Dam has a dam height of 165 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Alvin R. Bush Dam last inspected?

Alvin R. Bush Dam was last inspected on May 24, 2018. 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.