Bellwood
Key Takeaway
Bellwood is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1902 and is 124 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 61 ft (taller than 89.2% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 51 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1902 (124 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00524 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
ALTOONA WATER AUTHORITY
Local Government
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Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bellwood?
Bellwood 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 Bellwood?
Bellwood is owned by ALTOONA WATER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bellwood built?
Bellwood was completed in 1902, making it 124 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 Bellwood?
Bellwood serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bellwood?
Bellwood has a dam height of 61 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 Bellwood last inspected?
Bellwood was last inspected on December 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.