Easton Reservoir Report

Nearby: Lower Upper

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Easton, located in Northampton, Pennsylvania, is home to a stone dam on the Lehigh River completed in 1943 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this dam stands at 30 feet tall and spans 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1033 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, as per the last inspection conducted in November 2020.

The Easton dam serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community, offering opportunities for leisure activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. With its serene location on the Lehigh River, the dam contributes to the overall beauty and ecosystem of the area. Despite its age, the dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality for both residents and visitors.

As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the management and maintenance of dams like the one in Easton become increasingly essential. By staying informed about the condition and regulatory oversight of such structures, water resource and climate enthusiasts can advocate for sustainable practices that protect these vital assets and the surrounding environment for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1943

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

LEHIGH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Drainage Area

1373

Nid Storage

1033

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.