Meadow Run Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Meadow Run is a privately-owned earth dam located in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, with the primary purpose of providing recreation opportunities.


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Summary

Completed in 1909, this dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 500 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 750 acre-feet. The dam serves the community of Bear Creek Township and is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

With a drainage area of 1.7 square miles and a surface area of 90 acres, Meadow Run plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam has a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in January 2021. The dam has undergone modifications in 2009 to enhance its hydraulic capabilities, and emergency action plans are being developed to address any potential risks associated with the dam.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Meadow Run presents an intriguing case study of a historic earth dam that continues to provide recreational value while also facing challenges related to its hazard potential and regulatory oversight. Its location in the Philadelphia District and its association with the state of Pennsylvania's environmental protection agency highlight the importance of effective dam management and the need for ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource infrastructure.

Years Modified

2009 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1909

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

MEADOW RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

90

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

750

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.