Union City Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Union City Dam, also known as Union City Lake, is a Federal-owned structure situated in Erie, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this Earth-type dam on French Creek serves as a crucial flood risk reduction measure with a hydraulic height of 83 feet and a structural height of 88 feet. With a storage capacity of 94,000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 222 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Union City Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates to regulate water flow. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating (3) and is subject to regular inspections and risk management measures. The USACE actively monitors and maintains the dam to ensure its structural integrity and collaborates with local emergency managers to prepare for potential dam-related emergencies. As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts, Union City Dam exemplifies the importance of proactive water resource management and climate resilience in safeguarding communities from natural disasters.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1420

River Or Stream

FRENCH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

83

Drainage Area

222

Nid Storage

94000

Structural Height

88

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

88
       
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.