Penn Lake
Key Takeaway
Penn Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 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 | 34 ft (taller than 70.6% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 246 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 56 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1905 (121 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00542 |
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 PENN LAKE PARK
Local Government
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High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Penn Lake?
Penn 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 Penn Lake?
Penn Lake is owned by BOROUGH OF PENN LAKE PARK (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Penn Lake built?
Penn Lake was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Lake?
Penn 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 Penn Lake?
Penn Lake has a dam height of 34 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 Lake last inspected?
Penn Lake was last inspected on January 27, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.