Frances Slocum Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Frances Slocum is a state-regulated dam located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, along Abrahams Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 51 feet and spans 935 feet in length, providing flood risk reduction and recreational opportunities for the community. With a normal storage capacity of 1550 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 5340 acre-feet, Frances Slocum covers a surface area of 164 acres and serves a drainage area of 6.1 square miles.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Frances Slocum is classified as a high hazard potential structure with a fair condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in August 2020. As a popular recreational site in Kingston Township, the dam plays a crucial role in both water resource management and public safety within the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience can appreciate the significance of Frances Slocum in balancing flood protection and leisure activities for the community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Frances Slocum represents a vital infrastructure for both flood control and recreational purposes in Luzerne County. With its strategic location along Abrahams Creek and the care provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this earth dam continues to serve its intended functions effectively. As a cornerstone in the region's water management system, Frances Slocum showcases the importance of sustainable dam operations and maintenance in safeguarding the environment and community well-being.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

935

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

ABRAHAMS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

164

Drainage Area

6.1

Nid Storage

5340

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

51
       
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.