Laurel Highlands Baptist Camp Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Laurel Highlands Baptist Camp, located in Somerset, Pennsylvania, is a private recreational facility situated in Jefferson Township along the Gross Run river.


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Summary

The camp is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and holds permits for operation, inspection, and enforcement. The primary purpose of the camp's earth dam, completed in 1982, is for recreational use, with a height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet.

The dam at Laurel Highlands Baptist Camp spans 670 feet in length and covers a surface area of 4 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.5 square miles. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam is in fair condition as of the last inspection in September 2020. The camp's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified, indicating a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and security of the site.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Laurel Highlands Baptist Camp offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure management and environmental regulation. With its scenic location and recreational focus, the camp's earth dam presents both challenges and opportunities in balancing water storage needs with safety considerations. As a privately owned facility under state jurisdiction, the camp serves as a valuable example of how water resources can be managed for recreational purposes while adhering to regulatory standards and ensuring public safety.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

GROSS RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.