Gardner Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Gardner Creek, located in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned water supply dam completed in 1902 with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 47 feet and has a length of 640 feet, providing a storage capacity of 345 acre-feet. The dam, regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, falls under high hazard potential due to its condition assessment being marked as fair.

Situated in Jenkins Township, Gardner Creek is a vital resource for the region, serving as a key component of the water supply infrastructure. Despite its age, the dam continues to function effectively, holding a normal storage capacity of 225 acre-feet across its 15.5-acre surface area. With state regulation ensuring regular inspections and enforcement, Gardner Creek plays a crucial role in maintaining water security for the community.

Managed under private ownership, Gardner Creek highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As a significant structure in the area, the dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to protect and enhance our water resources for future generations, while also emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

GARDNER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.5

Drainage Area

3.7

Nid Storage

345

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

47
       
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.