C.W. Bill Young Lock And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

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Summary

Bill Young Lock and Dam, located on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania, serves a primary purpose of navigation and was completed in 1934 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This gravity dam is 36 feet high with a length of 1550 feet, providing storage of up to 16800 acre-feet of water. The dam features a multi-arch core type and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 1436 feet.

Despite being characterized as having a moderate risk of failure due to erosion around the lock walls, the dam has operated without incident for over 80 years. To mitigate this risk, the US Army Corps of Engineers regularly conducts emergency exercises, updates their action plan, and monitors river levels to ensure the safety of the dam and surrounding areas. In the event of a failure, downstream flooding is not expected due to the dam's relatively short height and location within the river banks.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can stay informed about the operations and risk management measures of C.W. Bill Young Lock and Dam by accessing river level information and forecasts through the provided link. The dam plays a vital role in supporting navigation on the Allegheny River, and efforts are continuously made to ensure its safe and reliable operation for the benefit of the regional economy and recreation activities.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

1550

River Or Stream

ALLEGHENY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1220

Length Of Locks

360

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

11537

Nid Storage

16800

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None - 0, Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

36
       
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.