Whitney Lake

SPINNER BROOK· Wayne, Pennsylvania· Built 1934· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Whitney Lake is classified as significant hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 16% in PA)
Dam Length130 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage570 acre-ft
Normal Storage476 acre-ft
Surface Area145 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1934 (92 years old)
NID IDPA00142

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: June 17, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

WHITNEY LAKE ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Whitney Lake?

Whitney 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 Whitney Lake?

Whitney Lake is owned by WHITNEY LAKE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Whitney Lake built?

Whitney Lake was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Whitney Lake?

Whitney 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 Whitney Lake?

Whitney Lake has a dam height of 12 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 Whitney Lake last inspected?

Whitney Lake was last inspected on June 17, 2019. 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.