Lake Blytheburn
Key Takeaway
Lake Blytheburn is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 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 | 9 ft (taller than 5.5% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 497 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 130 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 45 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00567 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
BLYTHEBURN LAKE ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Blue Giant Meadow
Luzerne, PA
Significant Hazard 12 ftIce Pond
Luzerne, PA
Significant Hazard 13 ftBeech Mountain Lake
Luzerne, PA
High Hazard 29 ftPine Run No 1
Luzerne, PA
High Hazard 43 ftWadham Creek
Luzerne, PA
High Hazard 30 ftKeilar
Luzerne, PA
Low Hazard 19 ftDuffys Run
Luzerne, PA
High Hazard 14 ftBrown Creek
Luzerne, PA
High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Blytheburn?
Lake Blytheburn 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 Lake Blytheburn?
Lake Blytheburn is owned by BLYTHEBURN LAKE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Blytheburn built?
Lake Blytheburn was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Lake Blytheburn?
Lake Blytheburn 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 Lake Blytheburn?
Lake Blytheburn has a dam height of 9 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 Lake Blytheburn last inspected?
Lake Blytheburn was last inspected on December 8, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.