Craft Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Craft Pond, located in Paupack Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, is a privately-owned earth dam constructed in 1892 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 19 feet and a length of 190 feet, the dam impounds Purdy Creek, creating a storage capacity of 157 acre-feet. Despite its age, Craft Pond remains regulated and inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with state standards.

The pond covers 16 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 77 acre-feet, serving as a popular spot for outdoor recreational activities in the area. However, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a high hazard potential, raising concerns about its long-term safety and maintenance. The last inspection in December 2020 noted the need for improvements to meet safety guidelines, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management and emergency preparedness measures for this historical structure.

As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, Craft Pond stands as a testament to the challenges of maintaining aging dams for both recreational and safety purposes. With its rich history and scenic location, the pond serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the responsibilities of stewardship and risk mitigation in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1892

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR PURDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

3.1

Nid Storage

157

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.