Toby Creek Impoundment Basin

TOBY CREEK· Luzerne, Pennsylvania· Built 1940· Earth· 28 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Toby Creek Impoundment Basin is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 28 ft (taller than 61.9% in PA)
Dam Length4,506 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage238 acre-ft
Drainage Area32 sq mi
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDPA01897

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 26, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

LUZERNE COUNTY FLOOD PROTECTION AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Toby Creek Impoundment Basin?

Toby Creek Impoundment Basin 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 Toby Creek Impoundment Basin?

Toby Creek Impoundment Basin is owned by LUZERNE COUNTY FLOOD PROTECTION AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Toby Creek Impoundment Basin built?

Toby Creek Impoundment Basin was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Toby Creek Impoundment Basin?

Toby Creek Impoundment Basin serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Toby Creek Impoundment Basin?

Toby Creek Impoundment Basin has a dam height of 28 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 Toby Creek Impoundment Basin last inspected?

Toby Creek Impoundment Basin was last inspected on August 26, 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.