Lake Watawga

TR LEHIGH RIVER· Wayne, Pennsylvania· Built 1907· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Watawga is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1907 and is 119 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 16% in PA)
Dam Length165 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage654 acre-ft
Normal Storage442 acre-ft
Surface Area125 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1907 (119 years old)
NID IDPA00098

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: Yes
Last Inspection: May 21, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

LAKEVIEW ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Watawga?

Lake Watawga 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 Lake Watawga?

Lake Watawga is owned by LAKEVIEW ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Watawga built?

Lake Watawga was completed in 1907, making it 119 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 Watawga?

Lake Watawga 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 Watawga?

Lake Watawga has a dam height of 12 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 Watawga last inspected?

Lake Watawga was last inspected on May 21, 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.