Pine Grove
Pine Grove is an earth dam located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, built in 1949. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Pine Grove
The primary purpose of Pine Grove is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Octoraro Creek near Pine Grove.
The dam stands 65 feet tall and stretches 650 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 669 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,670 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 140 square miles. Completed in 1949, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/15/2022.
At 65 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Pennsylvania dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Lancaster |
| Nearest City | Pine Grove |
| River/Stream | Octoraro Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.79720, -76.04220 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,670 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,670 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7,670 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 669 acres |
| Drainage Area | 140 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 107,300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 03/15/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA00023 |
| Federal ID | PA00023 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |