Lake Swiftwater Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Lake Swiftwater, located in Paradise Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned recreational lake with a history dating back to its completion in 1930.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 31 feet and spanning 730 feet in length, creates a storage capacity of 346 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 188 acre-feet and a surface area of 21 acres, the lake provides ample opportunities for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

Despite its recreational appeal, Lake Swiftwater poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulates the dam, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place. With a drainage area of 9.68 square miles, the dam's significance extends beyond its immediate surroundings, impacting the Swiftwater Creek and surrounding ecosystems.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the potential risks and management measures associated with Lake Swiftwater, it becomes evident that maintaining the dam's safety and functionality is crucial. With its proximity to the Philadelphia District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam's condition and hazard potential are areas of concern that require ongoing assessment and management to safeguard both the recreational value of the lake and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

730

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

SWIFTWATER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21

Drainage Area

9.68

Nid Storage

346

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.