KINZUA DAM – ALLEGHENY RESERVOIR

Economic Impact

The construction of the Kinzua Dam cost approximately $108 million. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the dam proved its value in 1972 when Tropical Storm Agnes brought heavy rainfall to the watershed. The reservoir came within three feet of its maximum capacity, successfully preventing an estimated $247 million in downstream flood damages. Since its completion, the dam has mitigated an estimated $1 billion in flood damages.

Seneca Pumped Storage Generating Station

Located just downstream from the dam is the Seneca Pumped Storage Generating Station, a hydroelectric power plant that utilizes pumped storage to manage peak electrical demand. It operates by storing potential energy through water pumped into an upper reservoir during periods of low demand and releasing it to generate electricity during peak periods.

Recreation

The Allegheny Reservoir and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, snowmobiling, and boating. The U.S. Forest Service has developed four campgrounds and five primitive camping areas accessible only by boat or hiking. Numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and visitor centers provide opportunities for exploration and education. The Seneca Nation also operates a fully developed campground at the northern end of the reservoir in New York.

Stretching 25 miles north to Salamanca, New York, the reservoir lies within the Allegany Reservation of the Seneca Nation. The construction of the dam resulted in the federal condemnation of tribal lands, displacing over 600 Seneca members and submerging 10,000 acres of their territory, including fertile farmland.

Construction History

The devastating flood of 1936 in the Pittsburgh area prompted Congress to pass the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, authorizing the construction of the Kinzua Dam. However, work did not commence until 1960 under the supervision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam was completed in 1965, with the reservoir filling completed in 1967.

The project faced significant opposition from the Seneca Nation, who lost much of the historic Cornplanter Tract in Pennsylvania. Over 600 families were forced to relocate. By 1953, the Cornplanter Tract was nearly abandoned due to frequent flooding and a lack of infrastructure.

The dam’s primary purpose is flood control, managing drainage across a 2,180 square mile (5,650 km²) watershed, an area twice the size of Rhode Island. Additional benefits include drought control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational opportunities. The power generated is distributed primarily to the Pittsburgh region.

Outdoor Adventures

Encircled by forest, the Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir are central to one of the largest and most popular outdoor recreation areas in the northeastern United States. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes visitors year-round to explore a variety of recreational activities.

The reservoir spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York. In Pennsylvania, it is entirely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, while in New York, it is bordered by Allegany State Park and the Allegany Indian Reservation.

Boating and Leisure

The Kinzua-Wolf Run Marina and six boat launches within the National Forest provide easy access to the reservoir’s waters. Visitors can enjoy two swim beaches and multiple scenic picnic areas for a day of relaxation and fun with family and friends. Houseboat rentals are available at the Kinzua-Wolf Run Marina, offering a unique way to experience the reservoir’s beauty.