Lower Birchwood Lake
Key Takeaway
Lower Birchwood Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 | 12 ft (taller than 16% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 226 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 98 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 38 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00403 |
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
BIRCHWOOD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
Private
Nearby Dams
Lake Lattimore
Pike, PA
High Hazard 15 ftUpper Birchwood Lake
Pike, PA
High Hazard 23 ftEast Birchwood Lake
Pike, PA
High Hazard 11 ftUpper Rickards
Pike, PA
High Hazard 9 ftLower Rickards
Pike, PA
High Hazard 12 ftWoodpecker Lake
Pike, PA
Low Hazard 8 ftFawn Lake
Pike, PA
High Hazard 24 ftPine Crest Lake
Pike, PA
Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower Birchwood Lake?
Lower Birchwood Lake 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 Lower Birchwood Lake?
Lower Birchwood Lake is owned by BIRCHWOOD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Birchwood Lake built?
Lower Birchwood Lake was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Lower Birchwood Lake?
Lower Birchwood Lake 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 Lower Birchwood Lake?
Lower Birchwood Lake 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 Lower Birchwood Lake last inspected?
Lower Birchwood Lake was last inspected on June 18, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.