Keen Lake dam
Keen Lake
Keen Lake, located in Canaan Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned reservoir regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Built in 1851, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1,449 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of recreation, Keen Lake offers a surface area of 92 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy various outdoor activities.
Despite its rich history and recreational opportunities, Keen Lake poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, indicating the need for structural improvements. In 2006, the dam underwent modifications to enhance its structural integrity. However, the last inspection in October 2020 revealed ongoing concerns about its safety and the potential risks associated with its current condition. As a vital water resource in the area, the reservoir's management and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and preserving its recreational value for future generations.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Keen Lake highlights the importance of proactive risk management and regular inspections to address potential hazards. With its picturesque setting along Van Auken Creek, this privately owned reservoir serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water management, recreational activities, and environmental conservation. By staying informed and engaged in the upkeep of Keen Lake, stakeholders can contribute to the sustainable use of this valuable water resource while mitigating risks associated with its aging infrastructure.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
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. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| 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.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Keen Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| West Branch Lackawaxen River At Prompton | 62 cfs | → |
| Dyberry Creek Near Honesdale | 76 cfs | → |
| West Branch Lackawaxen River Near Aldenville | 35 cfs | → |
| Lackawaxen River Near Honesdale | 230 cfs | → |
| Lackawanna River Near Forest City | 45 cfs | → |
| Lackawanna River At Archbald | 167 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Keen Lake.
Track Keen Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Keen Lake
Where does the data for Keen Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Keen Lake.