Lake Pahagaco

FIRST FORK OF BUNCH CREEK· York, Pennsylvania· Built 1956· Earth· 85 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Pahagaco is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 85 ft (taller than 93.9% in PA)
Dam Length1,127 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.4K acre-ft
Surface Area137 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDPA00874

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: December 30, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

P.H. GLATFELTER COMPANY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Pahagaco?

Lake Pahagaco 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 Pahagaco?

Lake Pahagaco is owned by P.H. GLATFELTER COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Pahagaco built?

Lake Pahagaco was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Pahagaco?

Lake Pahagaco 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 Pahagaco?

Lake Pahagaco has a dam height of 85 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 Pahagaco last inspected?

Lake Pahagaco was last inspected on December 30, 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.