Martins

CROW CREEK· Montgomery, Pennsylvania· Built 1886· Earth· 23 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Martins is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1886 and is 140 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	23 ft (taller than 51% in PA)
Dam Length	260 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	11 acre-ft
Normal Storage	8 acre-ft

Surface Area	2 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Year Completed	1886 (140 years old)
NID ID	PA00620

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 5, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

MARTINS DAM SWIM CLUB

Private

Nearby Dams

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Mill Club

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Leopard Lake

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Norristown (Swede Street)

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Devon Detention

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Renaissance Regional Basin

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Linpro Detention Basin

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Estates of Audubon

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Martins?

Martins 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 Martins?

Martins is owned by MARTINS DAM SWIM CLUB (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Martins built?

Martins was completed in 1886, making it 140 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 Martins?

Martins 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 Martins?

Martins has a dam height of 23 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 Martins last inspected?

Martins was last inspected on December 5, 2019. 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.