Lower (pa-487a)
Lower (pa-487a) is an earth dam located in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, built in 1973. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lower (pa-487a)
The primary purpose of Lower (pa-487a) 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 Game Commission (state). It impounds the Crooked Creek.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 1,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 193 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,810 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 20 square miles. Completed in 1973, 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 06/23/2020.
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 | Crawford |
| River/Stream | Crooked Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.52278, -80.36250 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,810 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,810 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 850 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 193 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | PA GAME COMMISSION |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 06/23/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA00389 |
| Federal ID | PA00389 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |