King's Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

King's Lake Dam, located in Villa Maria, PA, on Coffee Run, is a privately owned structure built in 1957 by designer Frank King.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 158.1 acre-feet and a surface area of 20 acres. With a height of 14 feet and a length of 1750 feet, King's Lake Dam has a low hazard potential but is currently in poor condition, last inspected in 2016.

Despite its state-regulated status and the Department of Natural Resources overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement, King's Lake Dam faces challenges with its condition assessment. The dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment measures are not fully documented, raising concerns about its resilience in the face of potential hazards. While the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, its structural integrity and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of its ecological impact on Coffee Run.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data surrounding King's Lake Dam highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance of vital infrastructure. With the potential for improved risk management measures and enhanced emergency preparedness, King's Lake Dam can continue to provide recreational opportunities while safeguarding the local environment and communities that rely on its functionality.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

1750

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

COFFEE RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

158.1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.