Lake Watawga Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Lake Watawga, located in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, is a private recreation area with a dam that was completed in 1907.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 165 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 654 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, and it sits along the TR Lehigh River in Lehigh Township.

Despite its historical significance, Lake Watawga faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which has been rated as poor. The dam has been identified as having a significant hazard potential, highlighting the need for ongoing inspections and maintenance. The last inspection was conducted in May 2020, with a scheduled frequency of every 2 years.

With its rich history and recreational value, Lake Watawga serves as both a source of enjoyment for visitors and a critical water resource in the region. However, ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam, in order to protect both the environment and surrounding communities from any potential risks associated with its condition.

Years Modified

2010 - Mechanical

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

165

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR LEHIGH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

125

Drainage Area

2.57

Nid Storage

654

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.