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Woodcock Creek Lake

Anne GrillVtrip Extra Credit

Located off of Pennsylvania’s State Route 198 in Saegertown, PA Woodcock Creek Lake is one of the Army Core of Engingeer’s flood control projects. Started in 1962, this project was one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District.

Woodcock Creek Dam was completed in 1973 and has a three fold purpose.

1. To reduce downstream flooding as part of the French Creek flood control system.

2. To improve downstream water quality

3. And to provide a diversified array of general recreation activities

The lake and dam are 4.1 miles upstream from its confluence with French Creek and 36.4 miles from where French Creek merges into the Allegheny River.

The Dam can store 8.2 runoff inches from the watershed and has prevented over $31 Million of flood damages to the area.

The dam also has a side spillway where the water stored from the dam is released in when French Creek is low.

Aside from providing flood prevention, Woodcock Creek Lake and Dam provides a place for families to camp, fish, and walk/bike/jog/run the mile long dam and is connected to many nature pathways throughout Colonel Crawford Park, also located in Saegertown.

Woodcock Creek Lake and Dam have provided a sense of security for residents of Crawford County, as well as a great recreational place during the warm months. Without the function of the dam, French Creek would not benefit from the increased quality and quantity of water