Leopard Lake dam
Leopard Lake
Leopard Lake, located in Chester, Pennsylvania, is a private water resource regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. This recreational dam, primarily used for leisure activities, stands at a height of 10.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 47 acre-feet. With a surface area of 11 acres and a drainage area of 2.05 square miles, Leopard Lake offers a scenic and serene environment for water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Leopard Lake provides a unique opportunity for outdoor recreation in Easttown Township. The dam, constructed with earth materials, spans 630 feet and serves as a vital reservoir for the surrounding area. With its location on Darby Creek, this water structure plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water management efforts.
While Leopard Lake may pose potential risks, such as inundation and emergency concerns, it remains a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a day of fishing and boating. As a privately owned and state-regulated water resource, this dam serves as a valuable asset for both the community and the environment, showcasing the importance of sustainable water management practices in Pennsylvania.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Leopard Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Creek At Pa Turnpike Br Near Valley Forge | 28 cfs | → |
| Crum Creek Near Newtown Square | 43 cfs | → |
| Schuylkill River At Norristown | 1,120 cfs | → |
| Ridley Creek At Media | 121 cfs | → |
| Cobbs Cr At U.S. Hghwy No. 1 At Philadelphia | 4 cfs | → |
| Chester Creek Near Chester | 305 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Leopard Lake.
Boat launches
- Betzwood
- Norristown Riverfront Park
- Arcola Rd 3506, Lower Providence Township
- Phoenixville
- Spring City
- Limerick Township
Campgrounds
- Tinicum Island Primitive Campsite
- Harmony Hill Wilderness Area Campsite
- Camp Laughing Waters
- Camp Green Lane
- Camp Sumney
- Camp Delmont
Fishing spots
Track Leopard Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Leopard Lake
Where does the data for Leopard Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Leopard Lake.