Curwensville Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pike Township Montgomery
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Curwensville Dam, also known as Curwensville Lake, is a Federal-owned rockfill dam located on the West Branch Susquehanna River in Clearfield, Pennsylvania.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, the dam stands at 131 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 209,000 acre-feet. While the primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, it also serves other functions such as recreation and water supply.
Despite its role in reducing the risk of flooding to downstream communities, Curwensville Dam still poses a high hazard potential due to the possibility of a breach during extreme weather events. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for the maintenance, inspections, and risk management measures for the dam, including regular updates to the Emergency Action Plan and coordination with emergency managers for response exercises. In the event of a breach, downstream communities like Curwensville, Clearfield, and Plymptonville could face swift and deep floodwaters, resulting in significant property damage and potential loss of life.
USACE closely monitors rainfall forecasts to anticipate high water events and provide timely flood warnings to at-risk areas. While the dam plays a crucial role in flood protection, the potential for catastrophic flooding remains, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management and preparedness efforts. The collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies ensures a coordinated response to any emergency situations that may arise, safeguarding the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
2850 |
Dam Height |
131 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BRANCH SUSQUEHANNA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
790 |
Hydraulic Height |
125 |
Drainage Area |
365 |
Nid Storage |
209000 |
Structural Height |
131 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
131 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Curwensville Dam