Penn Forest Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Penn Forest is a local government-owned dam located in Pennsylvania, specifically in Carbon County.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1998, serves as a crucial water supply source for the area, with a storage capacity of 27,600 acre-feet and a surface area of 462 acres. Situated on Wild Creek within Penn Forest Township, this Roller-Compacted Concrete dam stands at a height of 151 feet and stretches 2040 feet in length.

Managed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Penn Forest has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as being in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections ensure its safety and integrity, with the last inspection conducted in November 2020. While no emergency action plan or risk assessment data is currently available, the dam's role in water resource management for the region underscores its importance in the face of climate variability and increasing water demand.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Penn Forest to be a significant structure in the region, contributing to water supply reliability and management. As a vital component of the local infrastructure, its design and function play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring a stable water supply for the surrounding communities. Monitoring and maintenance efforts continue to uphold the dam's operational readiness, highlighting the ongoing commitment to water resource sustainability in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

2040

Dam Height

151

River Or Stream

WILD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Roller-Compacted Concrete

Surface Area

462

Drainage Area

16.5

Nid Storage

27600

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

151
       
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.