Quakake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Quakake is a vital water supply dam located in Carbon, Pennsylvania, along the Quakake Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1897, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 655 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Quakake plays a crucial role in water resource management for the region.

With a drainage area of 16.3 square miles, Quakake has a normal storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13 acres. The dam is designated as high hazard potential due to its proximity to populated areas, but its condition is assessed as satisfactory. Regular inspections ensure its safety and operational efficiency, with the last inspection conducted in November 2020. Despite being a century-old structure, Quakake continues to serve its primary purpose of providing a reliable water supply for the community of Packer Township.

As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, Quakake represents a historic and valuable resource for residents and businesses in the region. Its role in water supply management, combined with its regulatory oversight and maintenance, highlights the importance of sustainable dam operations in ensuring a stable and secure water source for the community. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Quakake serves as a prime example of the intersection between historic infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1897

Dam Length

655

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

QUAKAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

16.3

Nid Storage

140

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.