Laurel Hill Lake
Key Takeaway
Laurel Hill Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 32 ft (taller than 67.5% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 395 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 58 acres |
| Drainage Area | 44 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00267 |
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
DCNR
State Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 24 ftHidden Valley Pond No 2
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High Hazard 14 ftHidden Valley Pond No 1
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High Hazard 21 ftLaurel Hill Creek
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Low Hazard 22 ftKooser Run
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High Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Laurel Hill Lake?
Laurel Hill 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 Laurel Hill Lake?
Laurel Hill Lake is owned by DCNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Laurel Hill Lake built?
Laurel Hill Lake was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Laurel Hill Lake?
Laurel Hill 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 Laurel Hill Lake?
Laurel Hill Lake has a dam height of 32 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 Laurel Hill Lake last inspected?
Laurel Hill Lake was last inspected on August 26, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.