Crystal Lake
Key Takeaway
Crystal Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1888 and is 138 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 | 32 ft (taller than 67.5% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 1,695 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 9.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 494 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1888 (138 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00562 |
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
PA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY
Private
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High Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake is owned by PA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Crystal Lake built?
Crystal Lake was completed in 1888, making it 138 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 Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake has a dam height of 32 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 Crystal Lake last inspected?
Crystal Lake was last inspected on August 19, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.