Description - Tionesta Dam is a rolled earth fill dam with an impervious core. The embankment rises 154 feet above the stream bed, has a top length of 1,050 feet and a base width of approximately 1,080 feet. An uncontrolled saddle spillway is adjacent to the dam. The project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936 and has been in full operation since December, 1940. This reservoir project is part of the flood control system operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Allegheny and Upper Ohio Rivers. Recreation opportunities abound year-round. Visitors enjoy boating, camping, educational programs, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, wildlife viewing and water sports. A visitor center with restaurant and food is conveniently located near the dam's amenities.
Attractions
- Tionesta Dam is a rolled earth fill dam with an impervious core. The embankment rises 154 feet above the streambed, has a top length of 1,050 feet and a base width of approximately 1,080 feet. An uncontrolled saddle spillway is adjacent to the dam. Tionesta Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936 and has been in full operation since December, 1940. This reservoir project is part of the flood control system operated by the Corps of Engineers for the Allegheny and Upper Ohio Rivers. The pool elevation at Tionesta Lake is generally maintained between elevations 1089.0-1090.0, in order to provide adequate storage during periods of excessive runoff. However, periods of heavy rainfall and/or snowmelt will cause rapid and often significant rises in pool elevation. Tionesta Lake's Congressionally Authorized project purposes include flood control, fish and wildlife enhancement and recreation. Of these project purposes, only flood control has storage allocated for its operation. As a result, operations (gate changes) are made to maximize the flood storage capability of the project. The remainder of the project purposes are accommodated to the extent feasible.
Recreation - Recreation opportunities abound on Tionesta Lake. Year-round access offers enjoyment for boating, camping, educational programs, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, wildlife viewing and water sports. A visitor center with restaurant and food is conveniently located near the dam's amenities. Climate - Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Tionesta Lake area has cold winter months with temperatures averaging around 22 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -4 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius). Location -
The dam is located on Tionesta Creek, 1.2 miles above its confluence with the Allegheny River. The dam and reservoir lie entirely within Forest County, PA. From Oil City take US 62 east about 15, then head south on SR 36.
|
Add your own trip Report!