Deerfield Lake dam
Deerfield Lake
Deerfield Lake, located in Salem Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned recreational reservoir that offers a tranquil escape amidst the natural beauty of Wayne County. The lake, constructed in 1971, has a dam height of 11.5 feet and a storage capacity of 133 acre-feet, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. With a surface area of 21 acres and a drainage area of 0.53 square miles, Deerfield Lake serves as a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of Ariel Creek.
Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Deerfield Lake has been classified as a high hazard potential dam with a fair condition assessment. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, and it has undergone modifications in 2012 to enhance its hydraulic capabilities. Despite its remote location, the dam is regularly inspected and regulated by state authorities to ensure its safe operation and to mitigate any potential risks to surrounding communities. With its picturesque setting and well-maintained facilities, Deerfield Lake is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Pennsylvania's countryside.
As an integral part of the Philadelphia District's water infrastructure, Deerfield Lake not only contributes to the region's recreational opportunities but also plays a crucial role in flood control and water management. The dam's construction and operation are closely monitored to meet state permitting and inspection requirements, highlighting the commitment to maintaining the integrity and safety of this vital water resource. Whether enjoying a leisurely day by the lake or exploring the surrounding wilderness, visitors to Deerfield Lake can appreciate the harmonious balance between human enjoyment and environmental conservation in this idyllic corner of Wayne County.
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 Deerfield Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lackawaxen River At Hawley | 350 cfs | → |
| Lackawanna River At Archbald | 167 cfs | → |
| Lackawaxen River Near Honesdale | 230 cfs | → |
| West Branch Lackawaxen River At Prompton | 62 cfs | → |
| Dyberry Creek Near Honesdale | 76 cfs | → |
| Lackawanna R Bl Leggetts Creek At Scranton | 223 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Deerfield Lake.
Boat launches
- Fairview Lake
- Wallenpaupack Lake Access
- Beechwood Area
- Bear Wallow Road - Observation Station
- Main Beach And Picnic Area
- Greene Township
Campgrounds
- Ledgedale Rec Area
- Ironwood Point Rec Area - Ppl
- Caffrey Rec Area - Ppl
- Wilsonville Rec Area - Ppl
- Promised Land State Park
- Wilson Campground
More reservoirs
Track Deerfield 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 Deerfield Lake
Where does the data for Deerfield 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 Deerfield Lake.