Laurel Run No 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Laurel Run No 2, located in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, is a stone dam built in 1885 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 37 feet with a length of 298 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres. Despite its historic significance, the dam is categorized as having a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as indicated by a recent inspection.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Laurel Run No 2 is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam poses a risk due to its deteriorating condition, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and potential rehabilitation work to ensure continued safety and functionality. With its location in Plains Township along the Laurel Run stream, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Laurel Run No 2 presents an intriguing case study of a historic stone dam facing challenges related to safety and maintenance. As efforts are made to address its poor condition and high hazard potential, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive management and upkeep of aging infrastructure to mitigate risks and protect surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1885

Dam Length

298

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

LAUREL RUN

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

8.5

Nid Storage

122

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.