Stark Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Stark is a privately-owned dam located in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, specifically in the Moosic Borough.


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Summary

Built in 1850, Stark stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 130 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Stark is for recreation, providing a surface area of 25 acres for outdoor activities such as boating and fishing.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Stark is regulated and inspected by the state regularly to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Stark poses minimal risk to the surrounding community. Despite its age, the dam has been maintained to meet safety guidelines, although emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk assessment are yet to be fully developed.

Stark's location on Covey Creek, a tributary in the Baltimore District, makes it a valuable resource for water storage and recreational opportunities in the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and support the upkeep of dams like Stark to ensure their continued functionality and safety in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

COVEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

106

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.