Swatara
Key Takeaway
Swatara is classified as low hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 10 ft (taller than 8.3% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 360 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 669 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 501 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 56 acres |
| Drainage Area | 521 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| NID ID | PA01541 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
PA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY
Private
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High Hazard 6 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Swatara?
Swatara is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Swatara?
Swatara is owned by PA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Swatara built?
Swatara was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Swatara?
Swatara 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 Swatara?
Swatara has a dam height of 10 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 Swatara last inspected?
Swatara was last inspected on June 2, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.