Echo Lake

TR JACOBY CREEK· Northampton, Pennsylvania· Built 1911· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Echo Lake is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 8.3% in PA)
Dam Length545 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage80 acre-ft
Normal Storage62 acre-ft
Surface Area21 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1911 (115 years old)
NID IDPA00957

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 24, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

ECHO LAKE DEVELOPMENT CO INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Echo Lake?

Echo Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Echo Lake?

Echo Lake is owned by ECHO LAKE DEVELOPMENT CO INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Echo Lake built?

Echo Lake was completed in 1911, making it 115 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Echo Lake?

Echo Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Echo Lake?

Echo Lake has a dam height of 10 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Echo Lake last inspected?

Echo Lake was last inspected on June 24, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.