Lower Alford Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lower Alford Lake, located in Harford Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned recreational dam on Martins Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1919, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 14.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 315 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 260 acre-feet. The dam has a surface area of 34 acres and drains an area of 5.34 square miles.

Despite its scenic beauty and recreational value, Lower Alford Lake poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition. It falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure safety. The dam is regularly inspected, with the last inspection conducted in November 2020.

Given its critical status and potential risks, enthusiasts of water resources and climate may be interested in monitoring the ongoing assessment and maintenance efforts for Lower Alford Lake. The dam's historical significance, combined with its environmental impact on the surrounding area, underscores the importance of proactive management to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

14.5

River Or Stream

MARTINS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Drainage Area

5.34

Nid Storage

315

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.