Authorized
by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, Crooked Creek Lake is
one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. An
important link in a system of flood control projects, Crooked Creek
provides flood protection for the lower Allegheny and Ohio rivers. The
construction cost of over $4 million appears small when compared to the
giant saving which have resulted. Since its completion in 1940, the
project has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $535
million.
Crooked creek also stores water and releases it downstream during dry
periods to improve water quality and quantity for domestic and
industrial use, navigation, recreations, esthetics and aquatic life.
Lake and Dam Statistics
Location:
On Crooked Creek in Armstrong County, Pa., 6.7 miles above the
junction of the creek with the Allegheny River near Ford City, Pa. |
|
Purpose:
Flood control, water quality, recreation and fish and wildlife
conservation |
|
Project area,
acres |
2,664 |
Drainage area
above dam, square miles |
277 |
Construction
cost |
$4,000,000 |
|
|
Dam |
|
Type of
structure:
rolled earth fill
with impervious core |
|
Height above
streambed, feet |
143 |
Length, feet |
1,480 |
Width at base,
feet |
975 |
Volume of
earth and rock fill, cubic yards |
1,350,500 |
Outlet Works:
concrete
lined tunnel 15’6” in diameter and 1,320’ long |
|
Number of 6’ x
13’ vertical lift gates |
3 |
Number of 24”
gate valves |
2 |
|
|
Lake |
|
Length at
normal pool, miles |
5.25 |
Area, acres: |
|
Maximum
(reservoir full) |
1,940 |
Normal
(summer pool) |
350 |
Elevation,
feet above sea level: |
|
Maximum
(reservoir full) |
920 |
Normal
(summer pool) |
845 |
Streambed at
dam |
803 |
Vicinity
Map
Recreation
Nestled among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, Crooked Creek
Lake is an ideal setting for year round outdoor activities. Located
only 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
invites you to discover the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding
countryside at the Crooked Creek project.
Visitors will also find they can pursue a variety of outdoor activities
at the project with its numerous well maintained facilities available
for their enjoyment. For those who enjoy the outdoors, a visit to
Crooked Creek can be a rewarding experience.
The lake and its miles
of scenic shoreline provide unlimited opportunities for
water-based recreation.
A boat launch with ample trailer parking is available for boating and
waterskiing enthusiasts. Swimmers and sunbathers will especially
appreciate the lake's sandy, peninsula beach.
The
great variety and abundance of fish found in the lake have lured many
fishermen to its waters. Crooked Creek Lake has yielded many fine
catches of bass, muskie, sunfish and crappie.
Picnicking
is well liked at Crooked Creek. There are several picnic areas
maintained by the Corps that are provided with tables and charcoal
grills. The six picnic shelters are provided with picnic tables and
grills.
What’s Happening
Pavilion Reservations
Pavilion reservations
are now being accepted for Constitution, Freedom, Heritage,
Independence, Justice and Liberty Pavilions located throughout the day
use areas. Pavilions can be reserved in person at the Park Office,
Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. through 3:00p.m., beginning March 5,
2008 or by mail using a
Pavilion Reservation Request Form.
Annual
Day Use Pass
Fees of up to
$4/day are charged at many U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use areas,
including beaches and boat launch ramps. Annual passes allow visitors
to avoid having to pay day use fees each time they visit any U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers operated day use area nationwide. Annual passes,
available at the Park Office of any site where fees are charged, cost
$30 per pass and are valid for 12-months from the month of purchase.
Individuals with a valid Golden Age/Access Passport or
America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass may purchase on
Annual Day Use Pass at half price. Call the Park Office with questions
or to make an appointment to purchase a Corps of Engineers Annual Day
Use Pass.
Boat
Launch
The public
boat launch courtesy dock
will not be installed this summer. Instead a soft landing area to the
upstream side of the launch ramp will be improved. Boaters will be able
to gently beach their vessels for loading and unloading purposes. Also
planned is installation of markers delineating the single lane ramp
edges. This should allow more days the public boat launch will be open
even with the changing pool elevations.
Volunteers
Volunteer
applications are now being accepted for a variety of opportunities to
get involved at the park. Does spending some time meeting people in the
park, handing out interpretive brochures and customer comment surveys
sound interesting? Are you a Master Gardener and would like to improve
the flower beds at the Visitor Center? How about a church group or
scout troop that would like to help the staff with the Pennsylvania
Adopt-A-Highway Program? Maybe you're a college student needing a place
to earn credits on an internship. Call the Park Office at (724)
763-3161 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator for more details and an
application packet.
Environmental Learning Center
The
Environmental Learning Center is under lease with the Armstrong
Educational Trust. The Environmental Learning Center Coordinator can be
reached at (724) 763-6316. To learn more about how you can enjoy this
beautiful facility and surrounding grounds virtually visit at
www.crookedcreekelc.org.
Crooked
Creek Horse Park
The Crooked
Creek Horse Park was developed in the area leased as Manor Township
Recreation Area. It is maintained by The Fort Armstrong Horsemen's
Association, Inc. They have many special events appealing to a variety
of interests. To learn more about the recreational opportunities and
how to contact them visit
www.crookedcreekhorsepark-faha.com.
Facilities & Activities
|
Office |
Outflow
Area |
Spillway
Day Use
Area |
Main
Day Use
Area |
Camp-
ground |
Tunnelville
Beach |
Boat
Launch/
Day Use
Area |
Group
Camp-
ground |
Amphitheater |
- |
- |
- |
X |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Campground |
- |
- |
- |
- |
X |
- |
- |
X |
Campground
Showers |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Campground
Hookups |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Camper Dumping Station |
X |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Drinking Water |
X |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
- |
Information/Visitor Center |
X |
- |
X |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Launching Ramp |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
X |
- |
Picnic Areas |
- |
X |
X |
X |
- |
X |
X |
- |
Picnic
Shelters |
- |
- |
X |
X |
- |
- |
X |
- |
Playground |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
- |
X |
- |
Restroom
Facilities |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
- |
Accessible
Restroom |
- |
X |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
- |
Swimming |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
X |
- |
- |
Trails |
- |
- |
X |
X |
- |
X |
X |
X |
Accessible
Fishing Pier |
- |
X |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Links
of Interest
|