Upper Owl Creek
Key Takeaway
Upper Owl Creek is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1921 and is 105 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 43 ft (taller than 79.6% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 920 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 70 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00673 |
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
BOROUGH OF TAMAQUA
Local Government
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High Hazard 51 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Owl Creek?
Upper Owl Creek 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 Upper Owl Creek?
Upper Owl Creek is owned by BOROUGH OF TAMAQUA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Owl Creek built?
Upper Owl Creek was completed in 1921, making it 105 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 Upper Owl Creek?
Upper Owl Creek 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 Upper Owl Creek?
Upper Owl Creek has a dam height of 43 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 Upper Owl Creek last inspected?
Upper Owl Creek was last inspected on October 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.