Lake Meade Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Meade, located in Adams County, Pennsylvania, is a private water resource that serves as a popular recreational destination.


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Summary

The earth dam, completed in 1967, stands at 42 feet high and spans 1625 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 5330 acre-feet. With a surface area of 211 acres and a drainage area of 8.8 square miles, the lake offers ample space for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

Despite its picturesque setting, Lake Meade faces challenges in terms of its infrastructure. The dam has been deemed to have a high hazard potential and poor condition, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oversees the regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of the dam to address these concerns, with the last inspection taking place in March 2021.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and upkeep of structures like Lake Meade become increasingly critical. With its rich history as a recreational hub and its potential for future enhancements, Lake Meade stands as a symbol of the delicate balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Years Modified

2006 - Mechanical

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1625

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

MUD RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

211

Drainage Area

8.8

Nid Storage

5330

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

42
       
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.