Tamarack Lake A (Pa-461a) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Tamarack Lake A (Pa-461a) is a state-owned dam located in Crawford, Pennsylvania, designed by the USDA NRCS in 1962.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this earth dam is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits for recreation. It stands at a height of 23 feet and has a length of 1000 feet, providing a storage capacity of 8150 acre-feet and a surface area of 556 acres. The dam is situated on Mill Run in West Meade Township and is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Despite its high hazard potential, Tamarack Lake A currently has an unsatisfactory condition assessment, with the last inspection date conducted in September 2020. The dam is under state jurisdiction, with regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement carried out by state agencies. Emergency action plans and risk assessment measures for the dam are currently not available. With its significant storage capacity and critical role in flood risk reduction, it is essential for stakeholders and enthusiasts to monitor the condition and management of Tamarack Lake A to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Years Modified

2005 - Other

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

MILL RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

556

Drainage Area

4.99

Nid Storage

8150

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.