Quemahoning Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Quemahoning is a vital water supply dam located in Quehmahoning Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Completed in 1912, this earth dam stands at a height of 100 feet and has a length of 955 feet, providing a storage capacity of 57,400 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves the purpose of water supply, ensuring a normal storage capacity of 38,000 acre-feet for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Quemahoning Dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses a critical but manageable risk to the local community. In 2005, the dam underwent structural modifications to further reinforce its safety measures, reflecting a commitment to upholding the highest standards of dam management and environmental protection.

With its association with Quemahoning Creek and its crucial role in providing water supply to the region, Quemahoning Dam stands as an essential infrastructure for both water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Somerset, Pennsylvania. As a significant piece of the local government's infrastructure, the dam's strategic location and operational efficiency contribute to safeguarding the community's water resources and ensuring a sustainable water supply for the future.

Years Modified

2005 - Structural

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

955

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

QUEMAHONING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

845

Drainage Area

95

Nid Storage

57400

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

100
       
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.