Penn Forest
Key Takeaway
Penn Forest is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1998 and is 28 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 | 151 ft (taller than 98.3% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 2,040 ft |
| Dam Type | Roller-Compacted Concrete |
| Max Storage | 27.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 462 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1998 (28 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00608 |
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
BETHLEHEM AUTHORITY
Local Government
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High Hazard 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Penn Forest?
Penn Forest 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 Penn Forest?
Penn Forest is owned by BETHLEHEM AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Penn Forest built?
Penn Forest was completed in 1998, making it 28 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 Penn Forest?
Penn Forest 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 Penn Forest?
Penn Forest has a dam height of 151 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 Penn Forest last inspected?
Penn Forest was last inspected on November 5, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.