Lake Carey
Key Takeaway
Lake Carey is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1876 and is 150 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 | 13 ft (taller than 21.2% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 109 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 263 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1876 (150 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00887 |
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
LAKE CAREY WELFARE ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 8 ftLawson
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Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Carey?
Lake Carey 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 Lake Carey?
Lake Carey is owned by LAKE CAREY WELFARE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Carey built?
Lake Carey was completed in 1876, making it 150 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 Lake Carey?
Lake Carey 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 Lake Carey?
Lake Carey has a dam height of 13 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 Lake Carey last inspected?
Lake Carey was last inspected on January 6, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.