Colyer Lake dam
Colyer Lake
Colyer Lake, located in Potter Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania, is a picturesque recreational reservoir built in 1966 on Sinking Creek. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this state-regulated Earth dam stands at 38 feet high and stretches 700 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 1,730 acre-feet and a surface area of 77 acres, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering visitors opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Although Colyer Lake has a Fair condition assessment and a High hazard potential, it remains a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its stunning natural surroundings and diverse recreational opportunities. With a drainage area of 8.4 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 1,010 acre-feet, the reservoir provides a serene escape for locals and tourists alike. Despite its age, Colyer Lake continues to be a vital water resource and a beloved outdoor retreat in the heart of Pennsylvania.
With regular inspections and state oversight, Colyer Lake ensures the safety and enjoyment of its visitors while maintaining its status as a valuable recreational asset in the region. As climate change impacts water resources, Colyer Lake stands as a testament to sustainable management practices and the importance of preserving our natural landscapes for future generations to enjoy. Whether exploring the waters or simply taking in the scenic views, Colyer Lake offers a tranquil haven for those seeking to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of Pennsylvania's waterways.
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.
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 Colyer Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Creek At Houserville | 38 cfs | → |
| Spring Creek Near Axemann | 80 cfs | → |
| Kishacoquillas Creek At Reedsville | 109 cfs | → |
| Spring Creek At Milesburg | 179 cfs | → |
| Bald Eagle Creek Bl Spring Creek At Milesburg | 276 cfs | → |
| Juniata River At Lewistown | 1,760 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Colyer Lake.
Track Colyer Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Colyer Lake
Where does the data for Colyer 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Colyer Lake.