Totem Lake

CAMPS CREEK· Bradford, Pennsylvania· Built 1919· Rockfill· 12 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Totem Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1919 and is 107 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	12 ft (taller than 16% in PA)
Dam Length	151 ft
Dam Type	Rockfill
Max Storage	132 acre-ft
Normal Storage	92 acre-ft

Surface Area	34 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Year Completed	1919 (107 years old)
NID ID	PA00042

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: November 18, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

ERIC AND DORIS CHAFFEE

Private

Nearby Dams

Ballibay

Bradford, PA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Mill Creek

Bradford, PA

High Hazard 12 ft

Lake Bonin

Bradford, PA

High Hazard 25 ft

Haighs Pond

Bradford, PA

Low Hazard 13 ft

Cooks Pond

Bradford, PA

High Hazard 15 ft

Pa-102

Bradford, PA

Low Hazard 15 ft

Vanderpool

Bradford, PA

Low Hazard 14 ft

Tuscarora Lake

Susquehanna, PA

High Hazard 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Totem Lake?

Totem 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 Totem Lake?

Totem Lake is owned by ERIC AND DORIS CHAFFEE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Totem Lake built?

Totem Lake was completed in 1919, making it 107 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 Totem Lake?

Totem 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 Totem Lake?

Totem Lake has a dam height of 12 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 Totem Lake last inspected?

Totem Lake was last inspected on November 18, 2020. 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.