Saltlick
Saltlick is an earth dam located in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, built in 1913. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Saltlick
The primary purpose of Saltlick is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Greater Johnstown Water Authority (local government). It impounds the Saltlick Run.
The dam stands 116 feet tall and stretches 835 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 67 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,190 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11 square miles. Completed in 1913, the structure is over a century 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/23/2020.
At 116 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Cambria |
| River/Stream | Saltlick Run |
| Coordinates | 40.38222, -78.83417 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 116 ft |
| Dam Height | 116 ft |
| Dam Length | 835 ft |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,190 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,190 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,630 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 67 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | GREATER JOHNSTOWN WATER AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/23/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA00429 |
| Federal ID | PA00429 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |