Glenburn Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Glenburn Pond in Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned water resource managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

Built in 1854, this recreational dam on Ackley Creek stands 16 feet tall and spans 190 feet, with a storage capacity of 263 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, Glenburn Pond has been deemed to have a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment.

Located in Glenburn Township, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Its normal storage of 199 acre-feet covers a surface area of 26 acres, drawing from an 8.8 square mile drainage area. With a recent inspection in January 2021 indicating a need for improvement, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are crucial aspects that require attention to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource.

As climate change impacts water resources like Glenburn Pond, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize maintenance and monitoring efforts to mitigate risks associated with dam failure. With its close proximity to residential areas, effective emergency preparedness and risk assessment strategies are imperative to safeguard the community and ecosystem. By addressing the dam's unsatisfactory condition and implementing proactive measures, Glenburn Pond can continue to provide recreational opportunities while ensuring the safety and resilience of its surrounding environment in the face of evolving climatic challenges.

Year Completed

1854

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

ACKERLY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

8.8

Nid Storage

263

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.