Laurel Hill Lake dam
Laurel Hill Lake
Laurel Hill Lake, located in Somerset, Pennsylvania, is a stunning reservoir nestled in Middlecreek Township. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this state-regulated water source serves as a recreational haven for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. With a dam height of 32 feet and a storage capacity of 1330 acre-feet, this earth-type dam offers a serene escape for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Constructed in 1940, Laurel Hill Lake covers a surface area of 58 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 395 acre-feet. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition is deemed satisfactory. Regular inspections ensure the safety and integrity of this vital water resource, with the last assessment conducted in August 2020. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unspecified, but efforts are likely in place to address any potential hazards.
Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Laurel Hill Creek, this reservoir offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers seeking solace in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking to relax by the water's edge or engage in water-based activities, Laurel Hill Lake provides a picturesque setting for recreation and appreciation of Pennsylvania's natural splendor. With its rich history and ongoing commitment to safety and conservation, Laurel Hill Lake stands as a shining example of responsible water resource management in the region.
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 Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Casselman River At Markleton | 147 cfs | → |
| Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector | 9 cfs | → |
| Laurel Hill Creek At Ursina | 74 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River Below Confluence | 761 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River At Youghiogheny River Dam | 464 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River At Ohiopyle | 726 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Laurel Hill Lake.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Laurel Hill State Park
- Kooser State Park
- Paddler's Lane Campground
- Outflow - Youghiogheny River Lake
- Kentuck Campground
- Kentuck - Ohiopyle State Park
Fishing spots
- Frostburg Reservoir
- Sand Spring Run
- Jennings Run
- Bruceton Mills Public Fishing Area
- Georges Creek
- Wills Creek
Track Laurel Hill Lake 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 Lake
Where does the data for Laurel Hill Lake 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 High 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 Lake.