Laurel Hill Creek dam
Laurel Hill Creek
Laurel Hill Creek in Somerset, Pennsylvania is a vital water resource managed by the local government for water supply purposes. The earth dam, completed in 1954, stands at a height of 22 feet and holds a storage capacity of 2113 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 250 acre-feet and a drainage area of 26.2 square miles, Laurel Hill Creek ensures a stable water supply for the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Laurel Hill Creek is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," but regular inspections are carried out every five years to monitor its integrity. With its strategic location in Jefferson Township and the Baltimore District, Laurel Hill Creek plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Laurel Hill Creek to be an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and water management. Its historical significance, moderate storage capacity, and state-regulated operations offer valuable insights into sustainable water supply practices and the importance of dam safety in mitigating climate-related risks. As a key player in the local water supply network, Laurel Hill Creek serves as a prime example of responsible water resource management in Pennsylvania.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Laurel Hill Creek -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector | 11 cfs | → |
| Casselman River At Markleton | 248 cfs | → |
| Laurel Hill Creek At Ursina | 132 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River Below Confluence | 846 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River At Youghiogheny River Dam | 403 cfs | → |
| Loyalhanna Creek At Kingston | 203 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Laurel Hill Creek.
Boat launches
- Laurel Hill Lake
- Lake Somerset
- Lake Donegal #2 - Lake Under Drawdown
- Lake Donegal #1 - Lake Under Drawdown
Campgrounds
- Kooser State Park
- Laurel Hill State Park
- Camp Ligonier
- Quemahoning Family Rec Area
- Paddler's Lane Campground
- Antiochian Village Camp
Fishing spots
- Frostburg Reservoir
- Sand Spring Run
- Jennings Run
- Wills Creek
- Bruceton Mills Public Fishing Area
- Georges Creek
Track Laurel Hill Creek in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Laurel Hill Creek
Where does the data for Laurel Hill Creek come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Laurel Hill Creek.