Lake Henry
Key Takeaway
Lake Henry is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1865 and is 161 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 | 11 ft (taller than 13.2% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 163 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 319 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1865 (161 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00154 |
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
LAKE HENRY COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Spangenberg Lake
Lackawanna, PA
Significant Hazard 15 ftMyers
Lackawanna, PA
Significant Hazard 12 ftKizer Pond (Pica Pond)
Lackawanna, PA
Low Hazard 9 ftLake Fernwood
Wayne, PA
Low Hazard 8 ftMill Pond
Wayne, PA
Significant Hazard 10 ftMoosic Lakes
Lackawanna, PA
Significant Hazard 12 ftLake Quinn
Wayne, PA
High Hazard 12 ftBrooks Lake
Wayne, PA
Significant Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Henry?
Lake Henry 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 Henry?
Lake Henry is owned by LAKE HENRY COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Henry built?
Lake Henry was completed in 1865, making it 161 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 Henry?
Lake Henry 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 Henry?
Lake Henry has a dam height of 11 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 Henry last inspected?
Lake Henry was last inspected on October 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.