Stillwater Dam, also known as Stillwater Lake, is a federal-owned rockfill dam located in Forest City, Pennsylvania.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1960, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, but also supports recreation and water supply purposes. With a height of 77 feet and a capacity of 17,000 acre-feet, the dam controls the flow of the Lackawanna River, reducing the risk of downstream flooding. However, despite its risk reduction measures, the dam still poses a high hazard potential, especially in scenarios involving high-volume releases from the spillway during significant storm events or rare breaches that could lead to devastating flooding in communities along the river.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) plays a crucial role in managing and reducing the risks associated with Stillwater Dam. With ongoing maintenance, inspections, and monitoring, the integrity of the dam is ensured, and emergency preparedness measures are in place. USACE regularly updates the Emergency Action Plan for the dam, conducts emergency response exercises with relevant authorities, and closely monitors weather forecasts to provide timely flood warnings. Despite these efforts, the downstream communities, including Forest City, Carbondale, and Scranton, remain at risk, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential flood events stemming from the dam.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1700 |
Dam Height |
77 |
River Or Stream |
LACKAWANNA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
422 |
Hydraulic Height |
72.1 |
Drainage Area |
37 |
Nid Storage |
17000 |
Structural Height |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
77 |