Decker Swamp Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Pike, Pennsylvania, Decker Swamp is a state-owned recreational area built in 1951 for the primary purpose of providing leisure activities for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

The dam at Decker Swamp is an earth-type structure standing at 11 feet high and stretching 720 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 958 acre-feet and a surface area of 119 acres, the reservoir formed by the dam plays a vital role in the local ecosystem by providing a habitat for various species of wildlife.

Despite its importance, Decker Swamp is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oversees the regulation, inspection, and enforcement of the dam, ensuring its safety and reliability. The last inspection in July 2019 highlighted the need for maintenance and improvement to enhance the structure's resilience and sustainability. For water resource enthusiasts, Decker Swamp offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems, making it a valuable site for research and conservation efforts in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

DECKER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

119

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

958

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.