Union City Dam

FRENCH CREEK· Erie, Pennsylvania· Built 1971· Earth·

Key Takeaway

Union City Dam is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 Length1,420 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage94.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area222 sq mi
Max Discharge64,000 cfs
Year Completed1971 (55 years old)
NID IDPA00103

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: June 21, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Pittsburgh District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Union City Dam?

Union City 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 Union City Dam?

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

When was Union City Dam built?

Union City Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Union City Dam?

Union City Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Union City Dam last inspected?

Union City Dam was last inspected on June 21, 2019. 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.