Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor is a gravity dam located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, built in 1930. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Safe Harbor
The primary purpose of Safe Harbor is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Susquehanna River near Pequea.
The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 4,869 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7,360 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 144,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 26,117 square miles. Completed in 1930, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 06/14/2022.
At 75 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Pequea |
| River/Stream | Susquehanna River |
| Coordinates | 39.92460, -76.38940 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,869 ft |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 144,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 144,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 144,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,360 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26,117 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,420,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA00855 |
| Federal ID | PA00855 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |