Monroe Lake

BEAR SWAMP RUN· Monroe, Pennsylvania· Built 1926· Earth· 12 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Monroe Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 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 Length390 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage403 acre-ft
Normal Storage184 acre-ft
Surface Area85 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1926 (100 years old)
NID IDPA00633

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: April 20, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

MONROE LAKE P.O.A.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Monroe Lake?

Monroe 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 Monroe Lake?

Monroe Lake is owned by MONROE LAKE P.O.A. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Monroe Lake built?

Monroe Lake was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Monroe Lake?

Monroe 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 Monroe Lake?

Monroe 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 Monroe Lake last inspected?

Monroe Lake was last inspected on April 20, 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.