Out of This World

Video by Michel Sauret

Pittsburgh District opens up crest gates to release water from Conemaugh Dam

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District

April 5, 2024 | 1:42

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District opened four crest gates at the Conemaugh Dam from April 4 through April 6 to release between 9,800 and 19,000 cubic feet of water per second in Clarksburg, Pennsylvania. Although the release will include a large amount of water, it is well within the dam’s and downstream channel’s capacity. The downstream channel can handle a water flow of up to 28,000 cubic feet per second.

Conducting a crest gate operation does not constitute an emergency. It is a normal part of the Pittsburgh District’s operations during high water events following heavy rain. It is nothing to be concerned about.

Conemaugh River Lake plays a crucial role in flood control and navigation. It works with the nearby Loyalhanna Lake Dam to manage water flow into the Kiskiminetas and Allegheny Rivers. The Conemaugh Reservoir's capacity to hold water was near full, so it was necessary to release water to make room for more rain in the future. Since 1952, the Conemaugh Reservoir has prevented $8.8 billion in flood damages downstream.

(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District video by Michel Sauret)