Lake Ontelaunee
Key Takeaway
Lake Ontelaunee is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 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 | 52 ft (taller than 85.5% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 2,834 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 22.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,037 acres |
| Drainage Area | 192 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00709 |
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
READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY
Local Government
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High Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Ontelaunee?
Lake Ontelaunee 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 Ontelaunee?
Lake Ontelaunee is owned by READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Ontelaunee built?
Lake Ontelaunee was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Ontelaunee?
Lake Ontelaunee 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 Ontelaunee?
Lake Ontelaunee has a dam height of 52 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 Ontelaunee last inspected?
Lake Ontelaunee was last inspected on October 7, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.