Lower Reservoir Report

Nearby: Easton Upper

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lower is a concrete dam located on the Bushkill Creek in Easton City, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Built in 1917, Lower serves primarily for recreation purposes and stands at a height of 7 feet with a length of 175 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet and a drainage area of 80.6 square miles. Despite its age, Lower is in fair condition with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulates Lower, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place. The dam, owned by the local government, falls under the jurisdiction of D48-026 state agency. While the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, its spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 110 feet. Although there are no associated structures with Lower, it is located within Northampton County and is overseen by the Philadelphia District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

In case of emergency, Lower has a 5-year inspection frequency and emergency action plan preparedness is currently unlisted. With a fair condition assessment and a low hazard potential, Lower provides a valuable recreational resource while maintaining a moderate risk management approach. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Lower to be a fascinating structure to study in the context of dam safety and environmental protection in Pennsylvania.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

BUSHKILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Drainage Area

80.6

Nid Storage

88

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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.