Stephen Foster
Key Takeaway
Stephen Foster is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 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 | 49 ft (taller than 83.6% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 948 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 75 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00906 |
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
Lake Ondawa
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High Hazard 22 ftRidgebury Lake
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High Hazard 35 ftSwimming
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Low Hazard 12 ftGalvin Pond
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Significant Hazard 14 ftSugar Creek
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Stephen Foster?
Stephen Foster 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 Stephen Foster?
Stephen Foster is owned by DCNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Stephen Foster built?
Stephen Foster was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Stephen Foster?
Stephen Foster 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 Stephen Foster?
Stephen Foster has a dam height of 49 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 Stephen Foster last inspected?
Stephen Foster was last inspected on October 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.