Opossum Lake
Key Takeaway
Opossum Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 | 38 ft (taller than 75.2% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 310 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 690 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 59 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00584 |
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
PA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Opossum Lake?
Opossum 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 Opossum Lake?
Opossum Lake is owned by PA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Opossum Lake built?
Opossum Lake was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Opossum Lake?
Opossum 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 Opossum Lake?
Opossum Lake has a dam height of 38 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 Opossum Lake last inspected?
Opossum Lake was last inspected on December 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.