Shawnee Lake
Key Takeaway
Shawnee Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 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 | 22 ft (taller than 48.9% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 385 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 132 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 61 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00629 |
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
SHAWNEE DEVELOPMENT, INC.
Private
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High Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Shawnee Lake?
Shawnee 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 Shawnee Lake?
Shawnee Lake is owned by SHAWNEE DEVELOPMENT, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Shawnee Lake built?
Shawnee Lake was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Shawnee Lake?
Shawnee 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 Shawnee Lake?
Shawnee Lake has a dam height of 22 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 Shawnee Lake last inspected?
Shawnee Lake was last inspected on December 8, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.