Lake Characteristics
Surface Area - 12,000 Acres (At normal summer pool level)
Shoreline - 91 Miles
Length - 27 Miles (13 Miles in New York, 14 Miles in Pennsylvania)
Max Depth - 132 Feet (Located directly upstream of the Kinzua Dam in Warren County, PA)
Mean Depth - 48 Feet
Trophic State - Eutrophic (Highly productive, nutrient-rich lakes or ponds. Eutrophic lakes are often more prone to heavy algae blooms and reduced water clarity because their high levels of nutrients. Learn more about Harmful Algal Blooms.)
Creation - The Allegheny Reservoir was created in 1965 when the construction of the Kinzua Dam was completed. The construction of the Kinzua Dam was authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938 and was one of the flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. The intention of the project was to reduce flooding in the Allegheny and Ohio River Valleys. During the Flood of 1972 caused by Hurricane Agnes, the Kinzua Dam's flood control capabilities were put to the test, and succeeded as it helped to prevent an estimated $247 million in flood damages. The reservoir also helps to provide water to the Allegheny and Ohio River Valleys during periods of drought. Although the creation of the Allegheny Reservoir has helped to control flooding in downstream areas such as Pittsburgh, its creation flooded land that had been inhabited the the Seneca Nation, as well as non-native peoples, and led to their relocation.