Harris Pond

ROARING BROOK· Luzerne, Pennsylvania· Built 1922· Earth· 10 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Harris Pond is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 8.3% in PA)
Dam Length135 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage236 acre-ft
Normal Storage153 acre-ft
Surface Area39 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDPA00569

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 29, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

PA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Harris Pond?

Harris Pond is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Harris Pond?

Harris Pond is owned by PA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Harris Pond built?

Harris Pond was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Harris Pond?

Harris Pond 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 Harris Pond?

Harris Pond 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 Harris Pond last inspected?

Harris Pond was last inspected on July 29, 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.