Shawnee Lake
Key Takeaway
Shawnee Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 56 ft (taller than 87.5% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 25.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 450 acres |
| Drainage Area | 38 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00832 |
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
Glade Spring
Bedford, PA
Significant Hazard 39 ftKubalak
Bedford, PA
Significant Hazard 26 ftJohn C Smith
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High Hazard 59 ftTodd Spring Reservoir
Bedford, PA
High Hazard 34 ftDonald Amick Pond
Bedford, PA
Low Hazard 15 ftBedford Co. Sportsmen's Club Lake
Bedford, PA
Significant Hazard 29 ftEncke
Somerset, PA
Low Hazard 46 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 DCNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Shawnee Lake built?
Shawnee Lake was completed in 1950, making it 76 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: Flood Risk Reduction, 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 56 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 May 7, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.