Shenango Dam

SHENANGO RIVER· Mercer, Pennsylvania· Built 1965· Gravity·

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Other Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Shenango Dam is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 Length	720 ft
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	351.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	29.9K acre-ft

Surface Area	3,560 acres
Drainage Area	589 sq mi
Max Discharge	64,000 cfs
Year Completed	1965 (61 years old)
NID ID	PA00111

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: October 27, 2022

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Pittsburgh District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Buhl Park

Mercer, PA

High Hazard 14 ft

Kirila Pond Dam

Trumbull, OH

Significant Hazard 46 ft

Oak Tree

Mercer, PA

Low Hazard 24 ft

Chestnut Ridge Lake Dam

Trumbull, OH

Low Hazard 11 ft

Coalburg Lake Dam

Trumbull, OH

High Hazard 24 ft

Thomas Lake Dam

Trumbull, OH

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Looney Lake

Mercer, PA

Significant Hazard 40 ft

Saul Run (Pa-458)

Mercer, PA

High Hazard 40 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shenango Dam?

Shenango Dam 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 Shenango Dam?

Shenango Dam is owned by USACE - Pittsburgh District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Shenango Dam built?

Shenango Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Shenango Dam?

Shenango Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Shenango Dam last inspected?

Shenango Dam was last inspected on October 27, 2022. 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.