Lake Montrose Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Montrose, located in Bridgewater Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned water supply reservoir with a dam constructed in 1919 along Snake Creek.


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Summary

The dam, primarily an earth type structure with a height of 14 feet and a length of 90 feet, serves to store water for various purposes, including supplying water to the surrounding area. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 949 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 804 acre-feet and a surface area of 42 acres.

Despite its significance as a water resource, Lake Montrose has been flagged with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, raising concerns for its safety and maintenance. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for regulating, permitting, inspecting, and enforcing measures related to the dam's operation and safety. The last inspection in January 2021 highlighted the need for improved maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the reservoir's long-term viability and safety in the face of potential climate-related challenges.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Montrose presents a case study in the intersection of infrastructure, water supply, and climate resilience. Understanding the challenges faced by this reservoir, from its aging infrastructure to its hazard potential, provides valuable insights into the broader issues of managing water resources in a changing climate. Efforts to address the dam's condition, enhance emergency preparedness, and implement risk management measures will be critical in safeguarding Lake Montrose's role as a vital water source in the region.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

90

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

SNAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

42

Drainage Area

0.88

Nid Storage

949

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.