Pinchot Lake
Key Takeaway
Pinchot Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 50 ft (taller than 84% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 626 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 342 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00335 |
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
DCNR
State Government
Nearby Dams
Silver Lake
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Unknown 9 ftYork Haven Main Dam
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Low Hazard 10 ftNaylor Middle
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Significant HazardNaylor Lower
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Significant Hazard 19 ftLake Meade
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High Hazard 42 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pinchot Lake?
Pinchot 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 Pinchot Lake?
Pinchot Lake is owned by DCNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pinchot Lake built?
Pinchot Lake was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Pinchot Lake?
Pinchot 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 Pinchot Lake?
Pinchot Lake has a dam height of 50 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 Pinchot Lake last inspected?
Pinchot Lake was last inspected on March 10, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.