Authorized by the
Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir
is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. The
project provides complete protection for Warren, Pa., from Allegheny
River flooding, and in conjunction with other projects in the District
substantially reduced flooding in the Allegheny and upper Ohio River
Valleys.
The project’s flood
control capabilities were dramatically demonstrated during the June 1972
floods resulting from Tropical Storm Agnes when an estimated $247
million in flood damages were prevented. Since its completion in 1965,
Kinzua has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $1
billion.
The reservoir also
provides water to be released during dry periods. These releases have
the effect of reducing pollution and improving the quality and quantity
of water for domestic, industrial and recreation uses. Flow regulation
also helps to maintain navigable depths for commercial traffic on the
Allegheny and upper Ohio Rivers.
Another benefit of
the Kinzua project is hydroelectric power. A power plant is operated by
the First Energy Corporation. Its peak capacity is 400,000 kilowatts
per hour. The Big Bend Visitor Center contains displays which
illustrate the hydroelectric process.
Lake and
Dam Statistics
Location:
On the Allegheny River in Warren County, Pa., approximately 198
miles above the mouth of the river at Pittsburgh, Pa. The
reservoir is located in Warren and McKean Counties, Pa., and
Cattaraugus County, New York. |
|
Project area,
acres |
26,541 |
Drainage area
above dam, square miles |
2,180 |
Construction
cost |
$108,000,000 |
|
|
Dam |
|
Type of
structure: Concrete dam and earth embankment with four
24’ x 45’ crest gates |
|
Height above
streambed, feet |
179 |
Length, feet (concrete section – 778.5 feet; earth embankment – 1,098.5
feet) |
1,877 |
Width at base,
feet (concrete section – 195 feet; earth embankment – 1,050 feet) |
1,245 |
Volume of
earth fill, cubic yards |
3,000,000 |
Volume of
concrete, cubic yards |
500,000 |
Outlet Works
through concrete section: Eight 5’-8” x
10’ discharge sluices and two hydroelectric penstocks, 15’ in
diameter |
|
|
|
Lake |
|
Length at
normal pool, miles |
24.2 |
Area, acres: |
|
Maximum
(reservoir full) |
21,180 |
Normal
(summer pool) |
12,080 |
Elevation,
feet above sea level: |
|
Maximum
(reservoir full) |
1,365 |
Normal
(summer pool) |
1,328 |
Streambed at
dam |
1,198 |
Vicinity
Map
Recreation
Welcome
to the Alleghenies
Totally
surrounded by forest, Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir are at the
heart of one of the largest and most popular outdoor recreation
complexes in the northeastern United States. The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers invites you to visit the reservoir and discover a diversity of
year-round recreational opportunities that will delight the outdoor
enthusiast.
In
the summer, there are numerous activities ranging from swimming,
boating and water-skiing, to
camping, fishing and sightseeing. During the autumn, the Kinzua
countryside produces colorful displays of fall foliage with miles of
hiking trails and country roads from which to enjoy the brilliant fall
scenery. Winter doesn't signal an end to the enjoyment of the outdoors.
Hikers turn to cross-country skiing, fishermen continue their sport on
the ice and snowmobiles speed along the many trails and forest roads.
The blossoming of the woodland wildflowers signals the arrival of
spring in Kinzua Country; and with it, the arrival of trout fishermen,
canoeists and nature enthusiasts.
The Allegheny
Reservoir spans the border between
Pennsylvania and New York.
In Pennsylvania, the reservoir is completely surrounded by the
Allegheny National Forest; and in New York State by Allegany State Park
and the Allegany Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation. Along with
Cattaraugus County in New York, these agencies provide numerous
recreational facilities for your enjoyment.
Allegheny National Forest
The
Allegheny National Forest provides more than one-half million acres of
outdoor fun in both developed recreation areas and rustic backwoods
sites. Ten campgrounds of varying sizes and facilities are available.
The
Dewdrop,
Kiasutha,
Red Bridge,
Tracy Ridge and
Willow Bay campgrounds
provide campsites suitable for trailers and motor homes as well as
tents. The remaining five campgrounds are only accessible by either
hiking or boating. These sites provide a rustic setting for lakeshore
camping and a convenient stop-over while hiking the North Country
National Scenic Trail or one of several loop trails which traverse the
National Forest.
The
Kinzua-Wolf Run Marina
and
six
boat launches located within
the National Forest provide ready access onto the waters of the
reservoirs. There are also two swim beaches and several scenic picnic
areas available for a day of fun and relaxation with family and friends.
For more information
concerning recreational opportunities in the Allegheny National Forest,
contact:
Allegheny National Forest
222 Liberty Street
P.O. Box 847
Warren, PA 16365
Phone: (814) 723-5150
Allegany State Park
In New York
State, Allegany State Park's 65,000 acres contains two major recreation
areas and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. For those looking
for overnight
accommodations
both cabins
and campground facilities are available in the State park. The cabins
can be rented year-round and the campgrounds are equipped with electric
hookups. Allegany's recreation areas also provide hiking, biking and
cross-country skiing trails, picnic areas and swim beaches.
For additional
information contact:
Allegany State Park
2373 ASP, Rte 1, Suite
3
Salamanca, NY 14779
Phone: (716) 354-9121
Cattaraugus County
The
Onoville Marina is located
along the western shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir in New York
State. Leased to Cattaraugus County by the Corps of Engineers, it has
over 400 dock and mooring spaces, six launch lanes, a 74-site campground
and picnic facilities.
For additional
information contact:
Cattaraugus County
Onoville Marina
P.O. Box 8
Steamburg, NY 14783
Phone: (716) 354-2615
The
Seneca Nation of Indians
Almost the
entire portion of Allegheny's New York shoreline is bounded by the
Allegany Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation of Indians. The
Highbanks Campground operated
by the Seneca Nation provides facilities for both tent and trailer
camping as well as cabins. There is also a boat launch, swimming pool
and camp store located in the campground.
The Seneca Indians have
a long and rich history in the area. A
museum containing exhibits on
the history, culture and folklore of the Seneca is located in the city
of Salamanca.
For additional
information contact:
Seneca Nation of Indians
G.R. Plummer Building
P.O. Box 231
Salamanca, NY 14779
Phone: (716) 945-1790
Visitor’s Center
Visitors can
enhance their visit to the area by stopping at the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers’ Big Bend Visitor Center just downstream of the dam. The
center contains slide programs, exhibits, displays and brochures which
explain and illustrate the purpose to the dam, power plant and other
features found in the area. The center is open daily from Memorial Day
weekend through Labor Day and weekends in September and October.
Facilities &
Activities
|
U.S.
Army Corps
of Engineers |
Seneca Nation
of Indians |
Cattaraugus
County |
Allegany
State Park |
Allegheny
National
Forest |
Big Bend
Access Area |
Big Bend
Overlook |
Highbanks |
Onoville |
Quaker |
Red House |
Accessible
Restroom |
X |
X |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Boat Launch Ramp |
X |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Boat Rental |
- |
- |
- |
X |
- |
X |
X |
Cabin Rental |
- |
- |
X |
- |
X |
X |
- |
Campground |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Electric Hookups |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Information/Visitor Center |
X |
- |
- |
- |
- |
X |
X |
Marina |
- |
- |
- |
X |
- |
- |
X |
Pets (On Leash) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Picnic Area |
X |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Picnic Shelter |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Playground |
X |
- |
X |
- |
X |
X |
X |
Restaurant/Snack
Bar |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Showers |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Swimming Pool |
- |
- |
X |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Trail |
X |
X |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
Links of Interest
|