Perch Pond

TR SHEHAWKEN CREEK· Wayne, Pennsylvania· Built 1913· Earth· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Perch Pond is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 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 13 ft (taller than 21.2% in PA)
Dam Length165 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage302 acre-ft
Normal Storage122 acre-ft
Surface Area50 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDPA00135

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: March 30, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

CAMP STARLIGHT, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Starlight Lake

Wayne, PA

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Lake Como

Wayne, PA

Low Hazard 12 ft

Travis Pond

Wayne, PA

Significant Hazard 5 ft

Lake Underwood

Wayne, PA

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Kinneyville Pond

Wayne, PA

Low Hazard 20 ft

Beaver Pond

Wayne, PA

High Hazard 15 ft

Nabbys Lake

Wayne, PA

Low Hazard 16 ft

Faulkner Brook (Sgl #299)

Wayne, PA

Low Hazard 14 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Perch Pond?

Perch Pond 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 Perch Pond?

Perch Pond is owned by CAMP STARLIGHT, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Perch Pond built?

Perch Pond was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Perch Pond?

Perch Pond 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 Perch Pond?

Perch Pond has a dam height of 13 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 Perch Pond last inspected?

Perch Pond was last inspected on March 30, 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.