Little Lehigh
Key Takeaway
Little Lehigh is classified as low hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1919 and is 107 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 8 ft (taller than 2.3% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 118 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 53 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 187 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00952 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
CITY OF ALLENTOWN
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Lehigh?
Little Lehigh is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Little Lehigh?
Little Lehigh is owned by CITY OF ALLENTOWN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Lehigh built?
Little Lehigh was completed in 1919, making it 107 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 Lehigh?
Little Lehigh 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 Lehigh?
Little Lehigh has a dam height of 8 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 Lehigh last inspected?
Little Lehigh was last inspected on August 9, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.