Chamberlain

WOLCOTT CREEK· Bradford, Pennsylvania· Built 1970· Earth· 19 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Chamberlain is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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	19 ft (taller than 41.1% in PA)
Dam Length	575 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	550 acre-ft
Normal Storage	310 acre-ft

Surface Area	44 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
Year Completed	1970 (56 years old)
NID ID	PA00043

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: October 27, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

LAKE MACHAM ASSOCIATION INC.

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chamberlain?

Chamberlain 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 Chamberlain?

Chamberlain is owned by LAKE MACHAM ASSOCIATION INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Chamberlain built?

Chamberlain was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Chamberlain?

Chamberlain serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Chamberlain?

Chamberlain has a dam height of 19 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 Chamberlain last inspected?

Chamberlain was last inspected on October 27, 2020. 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.