Larsen Lake
Key Takeaway
Larsen Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 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 | 12 ft (taller than 16% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 295 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 504 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 246 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 64 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00367 |
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 Larsen Lake?
Larsen Lake 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 Larsen Lake?
Larsen Lake is owned by BIG BASS LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Larsen Lake built?
Larsen Lake was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Larsen Lake?
Larsen Lake 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 Larsen Lake?
Larsen Lake has a dam height of 12 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 Larsen Lake last inspected?
Larsen Lake was last inspected on October 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.