Little Buffalo Creek
Key Takeaway
Little Buffalo Creek is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 | 52 ft (taller than 85.5% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 1,750 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 87 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00582 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Buffalo Creek?
Little Buffalo Creek 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 Little Buffalo Creek?
Little Buffalo Creek is owned by DCNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Buffalo Creek built?
Little Buffalo Creek 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 Little Buffalo Creek?
Little Buffalo Creek 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 Little Buffalo Creek?
Little Buffalo Creek has a dam height of 52 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 Little Buffalo Creek last inspected?
Little Buffalo Creek was last inspected on December 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.