Sweet Arrow Lake
Key Takeaway
Sweet Arrow Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 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 | 36 ft (taller than 73.4% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 92 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00680 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Local Government
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High Hazard 44 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sweet Arrow Lake?
Sweet Arrow 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 Sweet Arrow Lake?
Sweet Arrow Lake is owned by SCHUYLKILL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sweet Arrow Lake built?
Sweet Arrow Lake was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Sweet Arrow Lake?
Sweet Arrow 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 Sweet Arrow Lake?
Sweet Arrow Lake has a dam height of 36 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 Sweet Arrow Lake last inspected?
Sweet Arrow Lake was last inspected on December 13, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.