Quemahoning

QUEMAHONING CREEK· Somerset, Pennsylvania· Built 1912· Earth· 100 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Quemahoning is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 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 100 ft (taller than 95.8% in PA)
Dam Length955 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage57.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage38.0K acre-ft
Surface Area845 acres
Drainage Area95 sq mi
Year Completed1912 (114 years old)
NID IDPA00740

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 11, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

CAMBRIA SOMERSET AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Quemahoning?

Quemahoning 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 Quemahoning?

Quemahoning is owned by CAMBRIA SOMERSET AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Quemahoning built?

Quemahoning was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Quemahoning?

Quemahoning 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 Quemahoning?

Quemahoning has a dam height of 100 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 Quemahoning last inspected?

Quemahoning was last inspected on September 11, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.