Lake Gordon
Key Takeaway
Lake Gordon is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 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 | 84 ft (taller than 93.6% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 435 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 5.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 141 acres |
| Drainage Area | 52 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00242 |
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
CITY OF CUMBERLAND MARYLAND
Local Government
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High Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Gordon?
Lake Gordon 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 Gordon?
Lake Gordon is owned by CITY OF CUMBERLAND MARYLAND (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Gordon built?
Lake Gordon was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Gordon?
Lake Gordon 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 Lake Gordon?
Lake Gordon has a dam height of 84 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 Gordon last inspected?
Lake Gordon was last inspected on October 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.