Lower West Deer Lake
Key Takeaway
Lower West Deer Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. 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 | 16 ft (taller than 32.5% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 285 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 37 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| NID ID | PA01720 |
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
ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Middle West Deer
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High Hazard 16 ftUpper West Deer Lake
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Low Hazard 19 ftFawn Mine #91 Refuse Impoundment
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Significant HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower West Deer Lake?
Lower West Deer 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 Lower West Deer Lake?
Lower West Deer Lake is owned by ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Lower West Deer Lake?
Lower West Deer 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 Lower West Deer Lake?
Lower West Deer Lake has a dam height of 16 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 West Deer Lake last inspected?
Lower West Deer Lake was last inspected on October 26, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.