Mountain Lake
Key Takeaway
Mountain Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 | 22 ft (taller than 48.9% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 545 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 266 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 131 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00225 |
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
MOUNTAIN LAKES OF SOMERSET LLC
Private
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High Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mountain Lake?
Mountain 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 Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake is owned by MOUNTAIN LAKES OF SOMERSET LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mountain Lake built?
Mountain Lake was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Mountain Lake?
Mountain 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 Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake has a dam height of 22 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 Mountain Lake last inspected?
Mountain Lake was last inspected on October 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.