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Safe Harbor

Near Conestoga, PA

Updated: Sat, May 09, 12:41:40 pm (EDT)

226.65 Ft as of 2026-05-09 12:42:33 PM (EDT)
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More Information

Safe Harbor Dam portage takeout point
Located at the southeast corner of Lake Clarke

Recreation Areas

One Lake, Two Counties

Lake Clarke is the dividing line between York and Lancaster Counties. For boating, picnicking, water skiing, or for some simple fun in the sun, recreational activities abound along the shores of Lake Clarke.

For portage, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required to ensure safe portage around the dam. Please call 508-251-7744 to coordinate. Portage takeout point is located at the southeast corner of Lake Clarke.

Tailrace

Plant tours originate from this location and the water below the plant’s turbine-generator discharge area creates what some say is Safe Harbors best fishing hole. Boaters in the tailrace should observe the warning signs, buoys, and signals provided by Safe Harbor, staying a safe distance from the discharge area.

Safe Harbor Park

Tennis courts, quoit boxes, a ball diamond, children’s playgrounds, fishing in the Conestoga River, and majestic stands of evergreens make this a favorite for all ages. This park is located just 3 miles west of Conestoga on River Road and features a large and small pavilion. Pavilions are first come, first served.

Arboretum

Tree lovers will find 50 species of trees and shrubs native to southern Pennsylvania. Although there are no organized trail hikes, hikers love to start at the Arboretum and explore marked and unmarked trails extending several miles over company forestlands.

Conestoga Creek Park

This day-use park offers two pavilions, a playground, a ball field, and picnic facilities. Conestoga River Park also features the 19th century Lock-6 of the Conestoga Navigation Canal. All facilities are first-come, first-served.

Upstream Boat Barrier

Tue, September 30 , 01:51 pm

Please be advised that sections of the boat barrier upstream of the Holtwood Dam are open. We encourage all recreational users to exercise caution and prioritize safety around dams. With open sections in the boat barrier, please pay close attention to your surroundings and respect all posted signage.

If there are questions, please contact us at Inquiries.PA@brookfieldrenewable.com.

Lake Aldred Drawdown

Fri, May 08 , 08:10 am

Please be advised that on May 13, 2026, the Holtwood Dam will lower Lake Aldred to an elevation of approximately 164.5 feet above sea level. The water is expected to return to its normal elevation by the evening of May 14, 2026. This schedule is subject to change based on flow conditions and may be postponed if necessary.

Please use caution when on the river. Pay attention to your surroundings and respect all signage.

If there are questions, please contact us at: Inquires.PA@brookfieldrenewable.com.

Short-term Schedule

DateTimeElevation
Friday, May 8, 202612:00 noon226.6
5pm226.6
12:00 midnight225.1
Saturday, May 9, 20268am226.5
12:00 noon226.7
5pm226.6
12:00 midnight225.5
Sunday, May 10, 20268am226.4
12:00 noon226.4
5pm226.7
12:00 midnight225.4
Monday, May 11, 20268am226.5

Hello,
This is the Lower Susquehanna River update for Friday May 8, 2026. The current river flows into Safe Harbor approximately 36,000 cubic feet per second and decreasing. The condition of the water is murky and 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

The forecasted average daily flows into Safe Harbor for the next three days are 35,000, 37,000, and 43,000 cubic feet per second. The Safe Harbor forebay elevation at 7 am was approximately 226.6 feet above mean sea level.

The elevation on Safe Harbor’s Lake Clarke is scheduled to be regulated near the top level of 228.0 feet to three feet below. Below Safe Harbor, the tailrace area can vary several feet in a matter of minutes during normal operating conditions. Be aware of this danger and pay close attention to varying water levels at Safe Harbor Dam. Be aware that diving into the waters of Lake Clarke is dangerous due to fluctuating lake levels, shallow waters, river currents, and submerged debris.

Safe Harbor is scheduled to generate power intermittently today and tomorrow. Safe Harbor is not scheduled to spill water today or tomorrow; however, spill can occur at any time. Please be aware of this danger. Boaters, please remain at least 1500 feet upstream of the dam for your safety.

The elevation of Holtwood’s Lake Aldred is scheduled to be regulated between a high level of 169.4 feet and a low level of 167.7 feet for today. Holtwood is not scheduled to spill water over the top of the dam today, but spill is scheduled for tomorrow; spill can occur at any time. Please be aware of this danger. Spill begins at 169.75 feet above mean sea level.

Please stay off the rocks below Holtwood dam or you could easily find yourself trapped by rising water. Boaters should avoid the area downstream of the 1-mile warning tower in the river.

Please keep in mind that all hydroelectric power generation schedules, as well as lake elevations, are subject to change at any time without notice.

The Safe Harbor Fisherman’s Bridge is OPEN to the public. Holtwood’s tailrace fishing area is OPEN to the public.

The Pequea Creek boat ramp is OPEN. The York Furnace Boat Ramp is OPEN. Boaters should read all signs and information that alert boaters about safety issues both upstream and downstream of the dam and portage access. Boaters are urged to use caution and avoid boating at the lower end of Lake Aldred within 1 mile of the Holtwood dam.

For portage assistance, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to ensure safe portage around the dam. Please call 508-251-7744 to coordinate.

Thank you and have a safe day.

Long-term Schedule

Normal Top Level at Safe Harbor Dam is 227.20 feet. Estimates are made assuming normal load conditions and no subsequent changes in river flow.
Supplied by: Safe Harbor Water Power Corp, 1 Powerhouse Rd. Conestoga, Pa. 17516. Call the Lower Susquehanna River Hotline at 1-844-430-FLOW (3569)

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Please note!

Water release schedules often change without notice due to unanticipated changes in weather conditions and power system requirements. Use caution near dams. A large amount of water may be discharged without warning at any time. Your safety depends on obeying all posted safety regulations and warnings.

Disclaimer: Water release schedules and flow levels posted by Brookfield Renewable as directed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Brookfield Renewable makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied concerning the accuracy, completeness and reliability or suitability of the data and/or information contained herein for any particular purpose. While Brookfield Renewable strives to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the data and/or information contained on the website is complete, accurate, reliable and suitable, errors may occur or information may be out dated. Brookfield Renewable at any time may revise or change the data and/or information posted without any obligation to notify past, current or prospective users.

In no event will Brookfield Renewable, its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, shareholders, employees or agents be liable for any damages whatsoever in contract, tort or otherwise, including but not limited to, special, direct, indirect, general, consequential, incidental or punitive damages arising out of the use of the data and/or information posted. By accessing this website, the user acknowledges and agrees that any employment of the data and/or information posted is solely assumed and at the user’s own risk.

© 2026 Brookfield Renewable N.A.

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