Lake Somerset
Key Takeaway
Lake Somerset 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 | 23 ft (taller than 51% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 1,550 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 253 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00229 |
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
PA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
State Government
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High Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Somerset?
Lake Somerset 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 Somerset?
Lake Somerset is owned by PA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Somerset built?
Lake Somerset 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 Somerset?
Lake Somerset 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 Somerset?
Lake Somerset has a dam height of 23 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 Somerset last inspected?
Lake Somerset was last inspected on March 12, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.