Emerald Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Emerald Lake, located in Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, is a private recreational lake regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

The dam at Emerald Lake, completed in 1912, is an earth dam with a height of 38 feet and a length of 130 feet. The lake has a storage capacity of 390 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 276 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres.

Despite its age, the dam at Emerald Lake is in satisfactory condition and has a significant hazard potential. Regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. The surrounding area, including the St. Patricks Run river and the Washington County, Pennsylvania, is a key location for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in studying the impact of recreational water bodies on the local environment. With its peaceful setting and historical significance, Emerald Lake is a valuable resource for both recreation and research in the region.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

ST PATRICKS RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

4.6

Nid Storage

390

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.