Beltzville Dam
Key Takeaway
Beltzville Dam is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 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 Length | 4,560 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 103.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 41.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 947 acres |
| Drainage Area | 96 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 47,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00010 |
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
USACE - Philadelphia District
Federal Government
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High Hazard 55 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Beltzville Dam?
Beltzville 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 Beltzville Dam?
Beltzville Dam is owned by USACE - Philadelphia District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Beltzville Dam built?
Beltzville Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Beltzville Dam?
Beltzville Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Beltzville Dam last inspected?
Beltzville Dam was last inspected on September 7, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.