Toby Creek Impoundment Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

The Toby Creek Impoundment Basin, located in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, is a crucial local government-owned structure designed for flood risk reduction along the Toby Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1940, this earth dam stands at 28 feet high and spans 4,506 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 237.5 acre-feet. The dam has a spillway width of 132 feet and is classified as having a high hazard potential, although its condition is currently assessed as satisfactory.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Toby Creek Impoundment Basin plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 32.4 square miles, this structure serves as a key component of the flood risk reduction strategy in the region. Despite its age, the dam is regularly inspected and meets necessary regulatory requirements, ensuring its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the community from water-related hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Toby Creek Impoundment Basin stands as a testament to the importance of proactive infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

4506

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TOBY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

32.4

Nid Storage

237.5

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.