East Branch Clarion River Lake Brochure (101 KB)
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East Branch Clarion River Lake631 East
Branch Dam Road
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Due to low water level conditions, the Instanter Boat Launch at Elk State Park is unusable except for hand carried water craft.
Recent rainfall has extended the Corps projection from Aug. 25 to
Aug. 30 as to when the East Branch Dam boat launching ramp at the dam site will be closed due to low water. The ramp will be closed to tailored vessels at that time though the lake is still available to hand-carried boats such as kayaks and canoes. Read more
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Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, East Branch Clarion River Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. An important link in a system of flood control projects, East Branch provides flood protection for the Clarion River Valley as well as the lower Allegheny and upper Ohio Rivers.
East Branch Lake has the capability to store the equivalent run-off of 21.84 inches of precipitation from its 72.4 square mile drainage area. Since its completion in 1952, East Branch has prevented flood damages estimated to be nearly $84 million. The project’s flood control capabilities were dramatically demonstrated during the June 1972 floods resulting from Tropical Storm Agnes when over $20 million in damages were prevented by East Branch alone. When compared to the flood control benefits which have resulted, the construction costs of $9 million appear small.
East Branch also stores water to be released downstream during dry periods. These releases of water have the effect of improving water quality and quantity for domestic and industrial use, navigation, recreation, esthetics and aquatic life.
Since 2008, the Pittsburgh District has implemented various interim risk reduction measures, one of which was to lower the summer and winter pool levels in order to reduce hydraulic loads on and within the dam embankment. This interim water control plan reduces the normal recreation pool of 1670 NVGD to 1650 NGVD and a target winter pool level of 1623 NGVD. This current measure will continue to be undertaken until a dam safety long-range strategy is developed and implemented.
Lake & Dam Statistics
Location: On the East Branch of the Clarion River, 7.3 miles upstream from its junction with the West Branch of the Clarion River at Johnsonburg, Pa. The project is located entirely in Elk County. |
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Project area, acres |
1,554 |
Drainage area above dam, square miles |
72.4 |
Construction cost |
$9,003,000 |
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Dam |
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Type of structure: rolled earth fill with impervious core |
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Height above streambed, feet |
184 |
Length, feet |
1,725 |
Width at base, feet |
1,115 |
Volume of earth and rock fill, cubic yards |
2,761,224 |
Outlet Works: concrete lined tunnel 10’ in diameter and 1,252’ in length, under the right abutment. Discharge is regulated by 2-3.33’ x 12’ and 2-2’ x 2’ sluice gates and 4-4’x 6’ intake gates located in the control tower. |
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Lake |
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Length at normal pool, miles |
5.7 |
Area, acres: |
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Maximum (reservoir full) |
1,370 |
Normal (summer pool) |
1,160 |
Elevation, feet above sea level: |
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Maximum (reservoir full) |
1,685 |
Normal (summer pool) |
1,670 |
Streambed at dam |
1,523 |
Maps
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Recreation
In the heart of Elk County and scenic upper Clarion River Valley, the US Army Corps of Engineers at East Branch Lake invites you to visit and enjoy the ideal setting for a variety of recreational experiences.
East Branch Lake with its clean, clear and deep waters offers anglers the opportunity to harvest tiger muskellunge, smallmouth bass, walleye or lake trout. Try fly fishing in the delayed harvest area below the dam on the East Branch of the Clarion River to see if you can land a trophy trout. If you are a cold weather enthusiast you will enjoy ice fishing during the winter months.
Enjoy the natural beauty and unlimited opportunities forwater based recreationon East Branch Lake. East Branch Lake offersunlimited horsepower, secluded bays to anchor and enjoy the unspoiled scenery.
East Branch Campground provides you with a tranquil setting for an enjoyable camping experience that will lure you back many times. The East Branch Campground will be open on Friday, April 15 for the 2011 recreation season and close on Sunday, October 9.
Boat launching fees at the Corps boat launch ramp will be waived for the 2011 recreation season.
If a relaxing picnicwith family or friends is more to your liking take advantage of the Overlook Picnic Area which offers you a panoramic view of the lake and dam. A hike on the self-guided Shady Ridge Natural Trail will enhance your outdoor experience.
Hunting is prohibited on federal property, however adjacent to East Branch Lake is Elk State Forest and game lands that will provide the hunter with abundant game such as deer, turkey, bear and small game.
Current Events
East Branch Clarion River Lake hosts a Project/Community Affairs public meeting in the spring and fall of every year. The meeting's focus is to exchange information regarding the management of the natural, cultural and developed resources in the public interest.
Pavilion Reservations
Looking for a place to have an outdoor gathering? A pavilion is
available for the family outings or group gathering. Pavilion
reservations are now being accepted for the Overlook Pavilion. The cost
to rent a pavilion is $35 per day. The pavilion can be reserved in
person at the Park Office or by mail using a East Branch Clarion River Lake Overlook Pavilion
Reservation Request Form.
Facilities & Activities
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East
Branch |
East
Branch |
East
Branch |
Instanter |
Campground |
X |
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Camper Dumping Station |
X |
- |
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Drinking Water |
X |
X |
- |
X |
Launching Ramp |
- |
- |
X |
X |
Nature Trail |
- |
X |
- |
- |
Picnic Area |
- |
X |
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X |
Picnic Shelter |
- |
X |
- |
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Restroom Facilities |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Accessible Restroom |
X |
- |
- |
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Showers |
X |
- |
- |
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Links of Interest
v Rules & Regulations at Corps of Engineers Water Resources Development Projects
v East Branch Clarion River Lake's Corps Lake
Visitor's Gateway
v East Branch Campground
v Elk State Park and Forest
v Corps of Engineers Annual Day Use Pass Request
v Pennsylvania
State Game Lands
v And for the kids, the Freddie The Fish Coloring Book!
v Order America the Beautiful Passes by Mail
| Berlin | Conemaugh River Lake | East Branch Clarion River Lake |
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Sightseeing |
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Updated: 29-Feb-2012