Pocono Lake

Tobyhanna Creek· Monroe, Pennsylvania· Built 1957· Gravity· 47 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Pocono Lake is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 47 ft (taller than 82.9% in PA)
Dam Length580 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage5.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage5.4K acre-ft
Surface Area518 acres
Drainage Area75 sq mi
Max Discharge48,270 cfs
Year Completed1957 (69 years old)
NID IDPA00781

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 4, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Pocono Lake Preserve

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pocono Lake?

Pocono Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Pocono Lake?

Pocono Lake is owned by Pocono Lake Preserve (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pocono Lake built?

Pocono Lake was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Pocono Lake?

Pocono Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pocono Lake?

Pocono Lake has a dam height of 47 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 Pocono Lake last inspected?

Pocono Lake was last inspected on May 4, 2022. 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.