Lower Owl Creek
Key Takeaway
Lower Owl Creek is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1883 and is 143 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 | 36 ft (taller than 73.4% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 620 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 280 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 169 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 29 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1883 (143 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00674 |
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
BOROUGH OF TAMAQUA
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Lower Owl Creek?
Lower Owl 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 Lower Owl Creek?
Lower Owl Creek is owned by BOROUGH OF TAMAQUA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Owl Creek built?
Lower Owl Creek was completed in 1883, making it 143 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 Lower Owl Creek?
Lower Owl Creek 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 Lower Owl Creek?
Lower Owl Creek has a dam height of 36 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 Lower Owl Creek last inspected?
Lower Owl Creek was last inspected on October 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.