Beaver Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Beaver Lake, located in Damascus Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, is a private recreational lake fed by Beaverdam Creek.


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Summary

With a dam height of 30 feet and a length of 426 feet, the lake has a storage capacity of 532 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 350 acre-feet. Built in 1970, the earth dam serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities.

Despite its scenic beauty and recreational appeal, Beaver Lake poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulates the dam, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement. The last inspection was conducted in May 2020, with a scheduled frequency of one inspection per year. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management of Beaver Lake becomes crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem.

As enthusiasts and conservationists alike appreciate Beaver Lake for its beauty and recreational opportunities, there is a growing need for risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and maintenance measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term viability of this important water resource. Collaboration between state agencies, private owners, and stakeholders will be essential in safeguarding Beaver Lake and its surrounding environment for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

426

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

BEAVERDAM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Drainage Area

1.06

Nid Storage

532

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.