Griffin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Griffin, located in Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, is a private-owned dam regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

Built in 1888, Griffin serves as a critical water supply structure, with a primary purpose of water supply. This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans a length of 340 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2617.5 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.57 square miles.

Despite its historical significance, Griffin poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's last inspection in April 2020 revealed issues that require urgent attention. With a high hazard potential, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize maintenance and upgrade efforts to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of downstream communities.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor Griffin's condition closely and advocate for necessary repairs and improvements to enhance its resilience to changing climate conditions. Collaboration between the dam owner, regulatory agencies, and local communities is crucial to develop and implement risk management measures that safeguard water resources and protect against potential disasters.

Year Completed

1888

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

LEGGETTS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

110

Drainage Area

3.57

Nid Storage

2617.5

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.