Beechwood Lake (pa-454)

Beechwood Lake (pa-454) is an earth dam located in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, built in 1963. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Beechwood Lake (pa-454)

The primary purpose of Beechwood Lake (pa-454) is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Pa Fish & Boat Commission (state). It impounds the East Beech Woods Creek.

The dam stands 63 feet tall and stretches 1,030 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 67 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1963, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

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 11/20/2020.

At 63 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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StatePennsylvania
CountyTioga
River/StreamEast Beech Woods Creek
Coordinates41.85472, -77.51278

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height63 ft
Dam Height63 ft
Dam Length1,030 ft
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,400 acre-ft
Max Storage2,400 acre-ft
Normal Storage1,075 acre-ft
Surface Area67 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerPA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection11/20/2020
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDPA00037
Federal IDPA00037
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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