Greenwood Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Greenwood Lake, located in Rush Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned dam regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

Constructed in 1880 for recreational purposes, this Earth-type dam stands 32 feet tall and spans 850 feet across the Nesquehoning Creek. With a storage capacity of 2,160 acre-feet and a surface area of 110 acres, Greenwood Lake provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities.

Despite its historical significance, Greenwood Lake poses a high hazard potential and is currently rated as being in poor condition. The dam's last inspection in October 2020 revealed the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With its location in a densely populated area in Schuylkill County, the dam's poor condition raises concerns for potential risks to the surrounding community in the event of a failure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for the proper maintenance and rehabilitation of Greenwood Lake to mitigate the risks associated with its deteriorating condition. By working with state regulators and stakeholders, efforts can be made to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this iconic recreational structure for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

NESQUEHONING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

110

Drainage Area

5.6

Nid Storage

2160

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.