Raystown Lake Water Level
Pennsylvania · Raystown Branch Juniata River
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Water level history
About Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake is a reservoir on the Raystown Branch Juniata River in Pennsylvania, operated by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It's the largest lake located entirely within Pennsylvania. Its full summer pool sits at 786 ft above sea level. Live water levels come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CWMS) and update hourly.
Understanding Raystown Lake's water level
Raystown Lake is the largest lake located entirely within Pennsylvania, a long, deep reservoir winding through a mountain valley on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, built and operates it primarily for flood control, while Allegheny Electric Cooperative runs a hydroelectric plant at the dam. Its normal operating level is about 786 feet above sea level, and the Corps keeps flood storage above that up to an overflow elevation of 812 feet, with nearly 248,000 acre-feet of room set aside to catch storms.
Because Raystown sits in a narrow valley and runs deep, it holds fairly close to normal pool most of the time and then rises into its flood storage when heavy rain moves through the Juniata basin. The Corps releases that water downstream over the following days, so the largest short-term changes come from storms rather than a big seasonal drawdown. That combination of steady summer levels and deep, clear water is a big part of the lake's appeal.
Raystown is best known as a striped-bass fishery and a scenic recreation destination, drawing anglers after striped, largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye and trout, among many other species. Seven Points Marina, several boat launches, and campgrounds line its 110 miles of shoreline, and the deep water and mountain setting make it one of the most popular recreation lakes in the mid-Atlantic. For boaters the normal number is 786 feet, with high water after storms the main thing to watch.
Raystown Lake — frequently asked
Why does Raystown Lake's water level change?
Raystown is a Corps flood-control reservoir on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. It is held near a normal pool of about 786 feet and rises into flood storage, up to an overflow level of 812 feet, when heavy rain fills the Juniata basin, after which the Corps releases the water downstream.
What is the normal level for Raystown Lake?
The normal operating level is about 786 feet above sea level. The Corps keeps flood storage above that up to an overflow elevation of 812 feet, with nearly 248,000 acre-feet of flood-control room.
Is Raystown Lake really the largest in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Raystown is the largest lake located entirely within Pennsylvania, a long, deep reservoir in a mountain valley, which along with its clear water is a big reason it draws anglers and boaters from across the region.
What is the fishing like at Raystown Lake?
It is well known for striped bass and also holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, and several kinds of trout, among many other species. Its depth supports both warmwater and coldwater fish.
Does Raystown Lake get drawn down for winter?
It does not have a deep seasonal winter drawdown; it is held fairly close to its normal 786-foot pool, with the biggest changes coming from storms that push it up into flood storage and are then released.
What is Raystown Lake used for?
It provides flood control and hydropower and is a major recreation lake, with Seven Points Marina, boat launches and campgrounds along 110 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating and camping.
Other lakes near Raystown Lake
- Lake AllatoonaGA
- Lake Altus-LugertOK
- Amistad ReservoirTX
- Arcadia LakeOK
- Arkabutla LakeMS
- Lake BarkleyKY/TN
See current levels for all 1 Pennsylvania lakes and reservoirs →
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