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Authorized
by the Flood Control Act of 1944, East Branch Clarion River Lake is one
of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. An
important link in a system of flood control projects, East Branch
provides flood protection for the Clarion River Valley as well as the
lower Allegheny and upper Ohio Rivers.
East Branch Lake has
the capability to store the equivalent run-off of 21.84 inches of
precipitation from its 72.4 square mile drainage area. Since its
completion in 1952, East Branch has prevented flood damages estimated to
be nearly $84 million. The project’s flood control capabilities
were dramatically demonstrated during the June 1972 floods resulting
from Tropical Storm Agnes when over $20 million in damages were
prevented by East Branch alone. When compared to the flood control
benefits which have resulted, the construction costs of $9 million
appear small.
East Branch also stores
water to be released downstream during dry periods. These releases of
water have the effect of improving water quality and quantity for
domestic and industrial use, navigation, recreation, esthetics and
aquatic life.
Lake &
Dam Statistics
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Location:
On the East Branch of the Clarion River, 7.3 miles upstream from
its junction with the West Branch of the Clarion River at
Johnsonburg, Pa. The project is located entirely in Elk County. |
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Project area,
acres |
1,554 |
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Drainage area
above dam, square miles |
72.4 |
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Construction cost |
$9,003,000 |
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Dam |
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Type of
structure:
rolled earth fill with impervious core |
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Height above
streambed, feet |
184 |
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Length, feet |
1,725 |
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Width at base,
feet |
1,115 |
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Volume of earth
and rock fill, cubic yards |
2,761,224 |
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Outlet Works:
concrete lined tunnel 10’ in diameter and 1,252’ in length, under
the right abutment. Discharge is regulated by 2-3.33’ x 12’ and
2-2’ x 2’ sluice gates and 4-4’x 6’ intake gates located in the
control tower. |
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|
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Lake |
|
|
Length at normal
pool, miles |
5.7 |
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Area, acres: |
|
|
Maximum
(reservoir full) |
1,370 |
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Normal (summer
pool) |
1,160 |
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Elevation, feet
above sea level: |
|
|
Maximum
(reservoir full) |
1,685 |
|
Normal (summer
pool) |
1,670 |
|
Streambed at
dam |
1,523 |
Vicinity
Map
Recreation
In the
heart of Elk County and scenic upper Clarion River Valley, the US Army
Corps of Engineers at East Branch Lake invites you to visit and enjoy
the ideal setting for a variety of recreational experiences.
East
Branch Lake with its clean, clear and deep waters offers anglers the
opportunity to harvest tiger muskellunge, smallmouth bass, walleye or
lake trout. Try fly fishing in the delayed harvest area below the dam on
the East Branch of the Clarion River to see if you can land a trophy
trout. If you are a cold weather enthusiast you will enjoy ice fishing
during the winter months.
Enjoy
the natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for
water based recreation
on East Branch Lake. East Branch Lake offers
unlimited horsepower,
secluded bays to anchor and enjoy the unspoiled scenery.
East Branch Campground provides you
with a tranquil setting for an enjoyable camping experience that will
lure you back many times.
If a
relaxing
picnic
with family or friends is more to your liking take advantage of the
Overlook Picnic Area which offers you a panoramic view of the lake and
dam. A hike on the self-guided Shady Ridge Natural Trail will enhance
your outdoor experience.
Hunting is prohibited on federal property, however adjacent to East
Branch Lake is Elk State Forest and game lands that will provide the
hunter with abundant game such as deer, turkey, bear and small game.
Current Events
East Branch Clarion River Lake hosts a Project/Community Affairs public
meeting in the spring and fall of every year. The meeting's focus
is to exchange information regarding the management of the natural,
cultural and developed resources in the public interest.
The next Project/Community Affairs public meeting will be April 25
beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Maintenance Building.
For more information or to reserve a space please call (814)
965-2065.
Pavilion Reservations
Looking for a place to have an outdoor gathering? A pavilion is
available for the family outings or group gathering. Pavilion
reservations are now being accepted for the Overlook Pavilion. The cost
to rent a pavilion is $35 per day. The pavilion can be reserved in
person at the Park Office or by mail using a
East Branch Clarion River Lake Overlook Pavilion
Reservation Request
form.
Facilities & Activities
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East
Branch
Recreation
Area |
East
Branch
Picnic Area |
East
Branch
Boat Launch
Ramp |
Instanter
Boat Launch
Area |
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Campground |
X |
- |
- |
- |
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Camper Dumping
Station |
X |
- |
- |
- |
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Drinking Water |
X |
X |
- |
X |
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Launching Ramp |
- |
- |
X |
X |
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Nature Trail |
- |
X |
- |
- |
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Picnic Area |
- |
X |
- |
X |
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Picnic
Shelter |
- |
X |
- |
- |
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Restroom
Facilities |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Accessible
Restroom |
X |
- |
- |
- |
|
Showers |
X |
- |
- |
- |
Links
of Interest
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