East Branch Dam

The East Branch, Clarion River Project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of December 1944 to control flooding in the Upper Ohio River basin.  The project,  under the direction of the Army Corp. of Engineers, began in June of 1947 and was completed in October of 1952. Full operations of the lake and dam began in December of 1952. 

Since 1952, when the Lake was opened to the public, the East Branch Dam & Lake has always been a favorite tourist and recreation attraction.

Construction of the 184-foot high, 1725 long rolled earth dam and the 1370-acre lake required the removal of two former villages, Instanter and Straight, which at this time, consisted of only a few hunting camps.  Just over 5 miles of Township road was vacated along with 2 mile of state forest road.

Water is released from the dam through a control tower and a concrete tunnel ten feet in diameter that passes through the earthen embankment.

Above, construction of Bridge Pier and Control Tower- looking east over what is now the lake.

Tunnel Intake and Tower Transition Construction is show in the above photo

Spillway Construction. The only time water has ever spilled out of here was during the heavy rains caused by the remnants of Hurricane Agnes on June 27, 1972

The above photo shows a view from the control tower bridge, prior to construction of the dam, looking towards Glen Hazel. Below the same view view from the right axis of the dam.

The above and below photos shows construction of the tunnel outlet