Kenda Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kenda, also known as Indian Lake, is a local government-owned dam located in North Huntingdon Township, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1932, serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 116 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres. However, despite its importance for recreation, Kenda poses a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as indicated by its last inspection in December 2020.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Kenda is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam stands at a height of 19 feet and stretches 450 feet in length, impounding the waters of TR Little Sewickley Creek. It is situated within the Westmoreland County region and falls under the jurisdiction of the Huntington District. Kenda's key attributes include its earth dam type with a buttress core, although certain details such as spillway type and width remain undisclosed.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kenda represents a critical infrastructure piece in Pennsylvania's water management system. With its historical significance and role in recreational activities, there is a pressing need to address its high hazard potential and poor condition to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainability of the dam's operations. As efforts continue to improve Kenda's structural integrity and maintenance practices, stakeholders are urged to stay informed and engaged in ongoing initiatives to protect and enhance this vital water resource asset.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR LITTLE SEWICKLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

116

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.