Raystown Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Raystown Dam, also known as Raystown Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, the dam serves primarily for Flood Risk Reduction, with additional purposes including recreation. Standing at a height of 225 feet and a length of 1700 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 871,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8,300 acres. The dam is designed with a Rockfill structure and an uncontrolled spillway, capable of discharging up to 301,000 cubic feet of water per second.
Despite its risk reduction measures, Raystown Dam still poses a high hazard potential to downstream communities, with the possibility of flooding during high-volume releases from its spillways or in rare breach scenarios. To manage and mitigate these risks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) conducts regular inspections, monitoring, and emergency response exercises. USACE also collaborates with Federal, state, and local agencies to update the Emergency Action Plan and provide timely flood warnings based on rainfall forecasts, ensuring the safety of communities along the Juniata River in the event of a flood.
In the face of these potential dangers, the ongoing efforts of USACE and the risk management measures in place highlight the importance of maintaining the integrity of Raystown Dam and safeguarding downstream communities from the devastating impacts of flooding. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the complex balancing act that comes with managing such critical infrastructure while prioritizing public safety and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
1700 |
Dam Height |
225 |
River Or Stream |
RAYSTOWN BRANCH JUNIATA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
8300 |
Hydraulic Height |
220.5 |
Drainage Area |
960 |
Nid Storage |
871000 |
Structural Height |
225 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
225 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Susquehannock - Raystown Lake
|
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Seven Points
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Trough Creek State Park
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Raystown Dam
Corbin's Island