Laurel Run No 2

LAUREL RUN· Luzerne, Pennsylvania· Built 1885· Stone· 37 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Laurel Run No 2 is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 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 37 ft (taller than 74.4% in PA)
Dam Length298 ft
Dam TypeStone
Max Storage122 acre-ft
Normal Storage107 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Year Completed1885 (141 years old)
NID IDPA00550

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: January 13, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

DCNR

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Laurel Run No 2?

Laurel Run No 2 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 Laurel Run No 2?

Laurel Run No 2 is owned by DCNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Laurel Run No 2 built?

Laurel Run No 2 was completed in 1885, making it 141 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 Laurel Run No 2?

Laurel Run No 2 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 Laurel Run No 2?

Laurel Run No 2 has a dam height of 37 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 Laurel Run No 2 last inspected?

Laurel Run No 2 was last inspected on January 13, 2021. 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.