Joseph Torch Lake Dam, located in Great Bend, Pennsylvania, serves as a vital recreational resource along the Honey Hollow Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1966, this earth dam stands at 31 feet high and stretches 380 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering a surface area of 7 acres for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. However, recent assessments have raised concerns about its condition, with a poor rating and significant hazard potential.
Despite being privately owned, the Joseph Torch Lake Dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and maintenance. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 160 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 3,218 cubic feet per second. The dam's risk assessment has been classified as moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures to address potential safety issues. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor the maintenance and upkeep of structures like the Joseph Torch Lake Dam to safeguard both recreational opportunities and public safety in the area.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
380 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
HONEY HOLLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
2.28 |
Nid Storage |
144 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
31 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
East Lake Campground
|
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Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center
|
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Salt Springs State Park
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