Lower Woods Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lower Woods Pond in Lebanon Township, Pennsylvania, is a state-regulated recreational dam situated on the East Branch Dyberry Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1848, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and stretches 900 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 1470 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, Lower Woods Pond is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, raising concerns for its long-term safety and maintenance.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oversees the state permitting, inspection, and enforcement of Lower Woods Pond, ensuring compliance with regulations to mitigate risks associated with the dam's condition. With a surface area of 91 acres and a drainage area of 3.14 square miles, the pond offers recreational opportunities for visitors but also poses potential hazards due to its deteriorating state. As climate change impacts water resources, the management and upkeep of Lower Woods Pond are crucial to safeguarding its surrounding community and the environment.

As discussions around climate resilience and water resource management continue to gain traction, Lower Woods Pond serves as a focal point for evaluating the intersection of infrastructure safety, recreational value, and environmental stewardship. With its outdated condition and high hazard potential, the dam presents challenges that require proactive measures and strategic planning to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital water resource in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

Year Completed

1848

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH DYBERRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

91

Drainage Area

3.14

Nid Storage

1470

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.