Donegal dam
Donegal
Located in Donegal Township, Pennsylvania, the Donegal dam is a state-regulated structure under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Built in 1967 for recreational purposes, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 520 feet, creating a storage capacity of 1650 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 900 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the picturesque Fourmile Run, enhancing the surrounding area's natural beauty and providing a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the Donegal dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. In 2020, the dam underwent modifications to its foundation, hydraulic systems, and other components, reflecting a commitment to maintaining and improving its functionality. With its strategic location and vital role in water resource management, the Donegal dam serves as a focal point for safeguarding the environment and enhancing recreational opportunities in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure across the globe, the Donegal dam stands as a crucial element in the region's resilience and adaptation strategies. With its proximity to the Baltimore District and the support of state agencies, the dam represents a collaborative effort to balance environmental protection, public safety, and recreational enjoyment. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricate relationship between dams, rivers, and ecosystems, the Donegal dam emerges as a symbol of sustainable water management and community engagement in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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 Donegal -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector | 11 cfs | → |
| Loyalhanna Creek At Kingston | 115 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River At Connellsville | 943 cfs | → |
| Youghiogheny River At Ohiopyle | 804 cfs | → |
| Casselman River At Markleton | 248 cfs | → |
| Conemaugh River At Tunnelton | 1,220 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Donegal.
Boat launches
- Lake Donegal #1 - Lake Under Drawdown
- Lake Donegal #2 - Lake Under Drawdown
- Acme Dam
- Double Bridge Road Mount Pleasant Township
- Jacobs Creek Park
- Legion-Keener Park
Campgrounds
- Kooser State Park
- Camp Ligonier
- Laurel Hill State Park
- Keystone State Park
- Antiochian Village Camp
- Kentuck Campground
Fishing spots
- Frostburg Reservoir
- Bruceton Mills Public Fishing Area
- Sand Spring Run
- Jennings Run
- Deep Creek Lake
- Wills Creek
Paddle runs
- Begins Below The Youghiogheny River Lake Dam In Confluence, Pennsylvania To Ends In South Connellsville, Pennsylvania
- Begins As River Passes Under The Herrington Manor Road Bridge At Oakland, Maryland To The Corporate Boundary Of Friendsville, Maryland
More reservoirs
Track Donegal 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 Donegal
Where does the data for Donegal 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 Donegal.