Pocono Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Pocono Lake, located in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, is a gravity dam constructed in 1957 for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this dam serves multiple functions including fish and wildlife pond creation and recreational activities. With a height of 47 feet and a length of 580 feet, Pocono Lake has a storage capacity of 5,402 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 518 acres.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 216 feet, and it is equipped with three slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. The dam poses a significant hazard potential and undergoes inspections every year to ensure its structural integrity. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the risk assessment for Pocono Lake is classified as moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding area from potential flooding or other hazards.

Overall, Pocono Lake serves as a vital water resource in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, providing hydroelectric power, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam's design and operation fascinating, as it plays a crucial role in managing water levels and supporting ecological diversity in the region.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

Tobyhanna Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

518

Drainage Area

75

Nid Storage

5402

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 3

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

47
       
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.