Laurel Run Reservoir

LAUREL RUN· Elk, Pennsylvania· Built 1970· Earth· 84 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Laurel Run Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 84 ft (taller than 93.6% in PA)
Dam Length1,124 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.7K acre-ft
Surface Area92 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDPA00387

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: September 21, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

ST. MARYS JOINT WATER AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Laurel Run Reservoir?

Laurel Run Reservoir 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 Run Reservoir?

Laurel Run Reservoir is owned by ST. MARYS JOINT WATER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Laurel Run Reservoir built?

Laurel Run Reservoir was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Run Reservoir?

Laurel Run Reservoir serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Laurel Run Reservoir?

Laurel Run Reservoir has a dam height of 84 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 Run Reservoir last inspected?

Laurel Run Reservoir was last inspected on September 21, 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.