Wildwood Lake

ARIEL CREEK· Wayne, Pennsylvania· Built 1956· Earth· 18 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Wildwood Lake is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 18 ft (taller than 37.7% in PA)
Dam Length445 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage724 acre-ft
Normal Storage290 acre-ft
Surface Area67 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDPA00157

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: November 24, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

WILDWOOD PARK OUTING CLUB, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wildwood Lake?

Wildwood 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 Wildwood Lake?

Wildwood Lake is owned by WILDWOOD PARK OUTING CLUB, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wildwood Lake built?

Wildwood Lake was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Wildwood Lake?

Wildwood 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 Wildwood Lake?

Wildwood Lake has a dam height of 18 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 Wildwood Lake last inspected?

Wildwood Lake was last inspected on November 24, 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.