Looney Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Looney Lake, located in Mercer, Pennsylvania, is a privately-owned reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1952, is classified as an Earth dam with a height of 40 feet and a length of 135 feet. It has a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities in Jefferson Township.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Looney Lake is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state standards. The dam is situated on TR Lackawannock Creek and has a drainage area of 0.67 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as satisfactory as of the last inspection in April 2018, indicating its stable and secure structure for recreational use.

With its scenic location and ample storage capacity, Looney Lake offers a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities. As a vital water resource in the region, the lake is carefully monitored and maintained to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors. Its historical significance as a dam completed in the early 1950s adds to the allure of this idyllic spot in Pennsylvania's countryside.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

135

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR LACKAWANNOCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.67

Nid Storage

23

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.