Bunnells Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bunnells Pond, located in Honesdale Borough, Pennsylvania, is a private recreational area with a stone dam completed in 1914 along Carley Brook.


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Summary

The dam stands at 17 feet high and spans 235 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 339 acre-feet for various recreational activities. Despite its age, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition with a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

With a primary purpose of recreation, Bunnells Pond offers a serene retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy its 37-acre surface area within Wayne County, Pennsylvania. The dam's normal storage capacity of 160 acre-feet serves as a vital resource for the surrounding community, ensuring water availability for recreational use while also maintaining flood control measures. Although the dam has not undergone recent modifications or risk assessments, its operational integrity is supported by state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols.

For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Bunnells Pond serves as a historic and functional example of a privately owned recreational area with a significant stone dam structure. Its location within the Philadelphia District of the US Army Corps of Engineers underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure for both recreational and safety purposes. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding the condition and management of dams like Bunnells Pond is crucial for ensuring their long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

CARLEY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

37

Drainage Area

11

Nid Storage

339

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.