Long Arm Dam, Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir boat launch
Long Arm Dam, Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir
The Long Arm Dam boat ramp services the Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir, which is a man-made lake that covers 90 acres of land. This reservoir was created in 1972 by damming Long Arm Creek, which is a tributary of the Susquehanna River. It is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
As for the types of watercraft allowed on the reservoir, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission states that all types of boats are permitted, including motorized and non-motorized boats, as well as canoes and kayaks. However, all boats must be registered or have a valid launch permit from the Commission. It is also important to note that certain regulations apply to the use of motorized boats, such as speed limits and restrictions on waterskiing and wakeboarding.
In summary, the Long Arm Dam boat ramp is a concrete ramp that is 24 feet wide and services the Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir in Pennsylvania. The reservoir allows for the use of all types of watercraft, including motorized and non-motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks, but certain regulations apply.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Long Arm Dam, Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Branch Near Westminster | 0 cfs | → |
| Codorus Creek At Spring Grove | 20 cfs | → |
| Gunpowder Falls At Hoffmanville | 11 cfs | → |
| Grave Run Near Beckleysville | 4 cfs | → |
| West Conewago Creek At East Berlin | 64 cfs | → |
| Monocacy River At Bridgeport | 33 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
Nearby fishing
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Long Arm Dam, Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Long Arm Dam, Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Long Arm Dam, Lawrence B. Sheppard Reservoir.