Indian Lake Dam
Indian Lake
Indian Lake, located in Somerset, Pennsylvania, is a picturesque reservoir managed by local government for recreational purposes. Constructed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 71 feet and spans 960 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 16,132 acre-feet. With a surface area of 541 acres and a drainage area of 13.7 square miles, the lake offers a tranquil escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking outdoor activities in a scenic setting.
Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Indian Lake is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as being in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections and risk assessments help to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam, with the latest inspection conducted in December 2020. Despite its high hazard potential, the reservoir continues to attract visitors for recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
With its beautiful surroundings, ample storage capacity, and recreational offerings, Indian Lake is a valuable resource in the community. Its controlled spillway, uncontrolled spillway type, and moderate risk assessment indicate a well-maintained structure that prioritizes safety while providing a space for outdoor enjoyment. Whether fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, Indian Lake offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to appreciate and explore.
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 Indian Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wills Creek Below Hyndman | 28 cfs | → |
| Stonycreek River At Ferndale | 178 cfs | → |
| Raystown Branch Juniata River At Wolfsburg | 920 cfs | → |
| Dunning Creek At Belden | 33 cfs | → |
| Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector | 4 cfs | → |
| Little Conemaugh River At East Conemaugh | 97 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Indian Lake.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Indian Lake
Where does the data for Indian Lake 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.