Laurel Lake dam
Laurel Lake
Laurel Lake, located in Cumberland, Pennsylvania, is a stunning reservoir nestled in Cooke Township. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this state-regulated water source serves as a vital hub for recreational activities. The dam, completed in 1968, stands at a height of 25 feet and boasts a gravity structure with a buttress core type. With a storage capacity of 896 acre-feet and a surface area of 24 acres, Laurel Lake provides a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Laurel Lake remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation. With its picturesque surroundings and ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, this reservoir continues to attract visitors from near and far. The reservoir's location near Mountain Creek adds to its charm, offering a peaceful setting for nature lovers to explore and appreciate the beauty of Pennsylvania's natural landscapes.
As a well-maintained state-owned water resource, Laurel Lake stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices. With regular inspections and a commitment to enforcing regulatory standards, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ensures the safety and preservation of this valuable recreational asset. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Laurel Lake represents a harmonious blend of natural beauty and responsible stewardship, making it a must-visit destination for those who appreciate the intersection of water conservation and outdoor recreation.
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 Laurel Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Creek Near Pine Grove Furnace | 11 cfs | → |
| Bermudian Creek At Oxford Road Nr Heidlersburg | 6 cfs | → |
| West Conewago Creek At East Berlin | 116 cfs | → |
| Conodoguinet Creek Near Hogestown | 186 cfs | → |
| Sherman Creek At Shermans Dale | 99 cfs | → |
| Yellow Breeches Creek Near Camp Hill | 170 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Laurel Lake.
Boat launches
- Laurel Lake Boat Launch
- Childrens Lake B.L.
- Long Pine
- Opossum Lake Bl #1
- Opossum Lake Bl #2
- North Middleton Park
Campgrounds
- Pine Grove Furnace State Park
- Primitive Campsite #5
- Primitive Campsite #6
- Primitive Campsite #4
- Primitive Campsite #7
- Primitive Campsite #8
Fishing spots
- Melagos Fising Spot
- Little Owens Creek
- Hunting Creek Lake
- Blairs Valley Lake
- Culler Lake
- Potomac River Reservoir
More reservoirs
Track Laurel 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 Laurel Lake
Where does the data for Laurel 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 Laurel Lake.