Pikes Creek

PIKES CREEK· Luzerne, Pennsylvania· Built 1911· Earth· 65 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Pikes Creek is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 65 ft (taller than 90% in PA)
Dam Length2,360 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage10.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage8.8K acre-ft
Surface Area400 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Year Completed1911 (115 years old)
NID IDPA00576

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

Ownership

PA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pikes Creek?

Pikes Creek 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 Pikes Creek?

Pikes Creek is owned by PA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pikes Creek built?

Pikes Creek was completed in 1911, making it 115 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 Pikes Creek?

Pikes Creek serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pikes Creek?

Pikes Creek has a dam height of 65 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 Pikes Creek last inspected?

Pikes Creek was last inspected on August 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.