Gouldsboro Lake

OAKES SWAMP RUN· Monroe, Pennsylvania· Built 1895· Earth· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Gouldsboro Lake is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 37.7% in PA)
Dam Length1,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area260 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1895 (131 years old)
NID IDPA00149

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: No
Last Inspection: December 16, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

DCNR

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gouldsboro Lake?

Gouldsboro 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 Gouldsboro Lake?

Gouldsboro Lake is owned by DCNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gouldsboro Lake built?

Gouldsboro Lake was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Gouldsboro Lake?

Gouldsboro 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 Gouldsboro Lake?

Gouldsboro Lake has a dam height of 18 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 Gouldsboro Lake last inspected?

Gouldsboro Lake was last inspected on December 16, 2019. 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.