Deep Creek

DEEP CREEK· Montgomery, Pennsylvania· Built 1939· Earth· 19 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Deep Creek is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 Length610 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage250 acre-ft
Normal Storage95 acre-ft
Surface Area27 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDPA00200

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: August 13, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, PARKS AND HERITAGE SERVICES

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Deep Creek?

Deep Creek 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 Deep Creek?

Deep Creek is owned by MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, PARKS AND HERITAGE SERVICES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Deep Creek built?

Deep Creek was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Deep Creek?

Deep Creek 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 Deep Creek?

Deep Creek 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 Deep Creek last inspected?

Deep Creek was last inspected on August 13, 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.