Laurel Lake

MOUNTAIN CREEK· Cumberland, Pennsylvania· Built 1968· Gravity· 25 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Laurel Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 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	25 ft (taller than 55% in PA)
Dam Length	200 ft
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	896 acre-ft
Normal Storage	160 acre-ft

Surface Area	24 acres
Drainage Area	24 sq mi
Year Completed	1968 (58 years old)
NID ID	PA00586

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 16, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

DCNR

State Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Laurel Lake?

Laurel 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 Lake?

Laurel Lake is owned by DCNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Laurel Lake built?

Laurel Lake was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Lake?

Laurel 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 Lake?

Laurel Lake has a dam height of 25 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 Lake last inspected?

Laurel Lake was last inspected on December 16, 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.