Lake Heron

TR SUSQUEHANNA RIVER· Perry, Pennsylvania· Built 1970· Earth· 25 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Heron is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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	25 ft (taller than 55% in PA)
Dam Length	310 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	133 acre-ft
Normal Storage	66 acre-ft

Surface Area	10 acres
Drainage Area	0 sq mi
Year Completed	1970 (56 years old)
NID ID	PA01114

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: December 28, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

S. DEAN & GAIL K. STEPHENS

Private

Nearby Dams

Newport Plaza

Perry, PA

High Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Heron?

Lake Heron 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 Heron?

Lake Heron is owned by S. DEAN & GAIL K. STEPHENS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Heron built?

Lake Heron was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Heron?

Lake Heron 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 Heron?

Lake Heron has a dam height of 25 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 Heron last inspected?

Lake Heron was last inspected on December 28, 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.