Kinzua Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Kinzua Dam, also known as Allegheny Reservoir, is a rockfill dam located in Warren, Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1965 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits including fish and wildlife pond, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. The dam stands at a structural height of 177 feet and has a storage capacity of 1.3 million acre-feet.

Despite being well-constructed and maintained, Kinzua Dam poses a high hazard potential due to the large populations living downstream in communities like Warren, Oil City, Franklin, and metropolitan Pittsburgh. The risk assessment conducted in 2020 classified the dam's risk as high, with the most likely flooding scenarios involving high-volume releases through the spillway during intense storm events or a potential breach from extreme rainfall events. Emergency management measures are in place to monitor reservoir levels, conduct emergency exercises, and engage with local communities to enhance flood preparedness.

In the event of a dam breach or significant flood, downstream communities could face swift and deep floodwaters, potentially overflowing levees and causing significant property damage and loss of life. The US Army Corps of Engineers is committed to working closely with state and local emergency managers to mitigate risks, enhance monitoring and surveillance, and provide timely information to residents to ensure readiness for potential flood events.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1916

River Or Stream

ALLEGHENY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

12080

Hydraulic Height

172

Drainage Area

2180

Nid Storage

1300000

Structural Height

177

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 14, Tainter (radial) - 4

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

177
       
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.