Lake Natalie
Key Takeaway
Lake Natalie is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 | 10 ft (taller than 8.3% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 320 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 163 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 132 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00151 |
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
BIG BASS LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Private
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Natalie?
Lake Natalie 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 Natalie?
Lake Natalie is owned by BIG BASS LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Natalie built?
Lake Natalie was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Natalie?
Lake Natalie 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 Natalie?
Lake Natalie has a dam height of 10 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 Natalie last inspected?
Lake Natalie was last inspected on December 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.