Youghiogheny Dam Dam
Youghiogheny Dam
Youghiogheny Dam, also known as Youghiogheny River Lake, is a vital structure located in Fayette, Pennsylvania, owned and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Completed in 1944, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 184 feet, with a hydraulic height of 177 feet, and a length of 1610 feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply, with a maximum storage capacity of 300,000 acre-feet and a normal storage of 149,300 acre-feet.
Although Youghiogheny Dam plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of flooding downstream, there are potential hazards that could lead to significant flooding events. The most recent risk assessment conducted in 2020 categorized the risk as moderate, with the most likely scenarios being high-volume releases from the spillway during storm events. In the event of a breach or extreme rainfall, downstream communities such as Confluence, Ursina, and Ohiopyle could face swift and deep floodwaters, overflowing levees and causing widespread damage. However, risk management measures are in place, including regular monitoring, emergency action plans, and collaboration with local authorities to enhance preparedness and response strategies.
In the face of potential risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers is committed to ensuring public safety by closely coordinating with state and local emergency managers, conducting emergency exercises, and providing timely flood warnings based on rainfall forecasts. By engaging with local communities and promoting awareness of flood risks, efforts are focused on minimizing the impact of potential flooding events and safeguarding lives and infrastructure downstream of Youghiogheny Dam.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Youghiogheny Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Youghiogheny River At Youghiogheny River Dam | 542 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River Below Confluence | 838 cfs | → |
| Laurel Hill Creek At Ursina | 56 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River At Ohiopyle | 899 cfs | → |
| Casselman River At Markleton | 173 cfs | → |
| Bear Creek At Friendsville | 46 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Youghiogheny Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Youghiogheny Dam
Where does the data for Youghiogheny Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.