Lower Rickards

HORNBECKS CREEK· Pike, Pennsylvania· Built 1955· Earth· 12 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Rickards is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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	620 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	90 acre-ft
Normal Storage	43 acre-ft

Surface Area	15 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Year Completed	1955 (71 years old)
NID ID	PA01107

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: October 23, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

RICKARD FAMILY LTD. PARTNERSHIP

Private

Nearby Dams

Upper Rickards

Pike, PA

High Hazard 9 ft

Fawn Lake

Pike, PA

High Hazard 24 ft

Wild Acres Lake

Pike, PA

High Hazard 9 ft

Lower Birchwood Lake

Pike, PA

High Hazard 12 ft

Lake Lattimore

Pike, PA

High Hazard 15 ft

South Pond

Pike, PA

High Hazard 13 ft

Upper Birchwood Lake

Pike, PA

High Hazard 23 ft

North Lake

Pike, PA

High Hazard 18 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Rickards?

Lower Rickards 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 Rickards?

Lower Rickards is owned by RICKARD FAMILY LTD. PARTNERSHIP (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Rickards built?

Lower Rickards was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Rickards?

Lower Rickards 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 Rickards?

Lower Rickards 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 Rickards last inspected?

Lower Rickards was last inspected on October 23, 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.