Tafton Dike
Tafton Dike is an earth dam located in Pike County, Pennsylvania, built in 1926. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Tafton Dike
The primary purpose of Tafton Dike is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Bif Iii Holtwood Llc (public utility). It impounds the Wallenpaupack Creek near Kimble.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5,700 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 270,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 228 square miles. Completed in 1926, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/15/2022.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Pennsylvania dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Pike |
| Nearest City | Kimble |
| River/Stream | Wallenpaupack Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.44450, -75.17990 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 270,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 270,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 132,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,700 acres |
| Drainage Area | 228 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BIF III Holtwood LLC |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/15/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA00302 |
| Federal ID | PA00302S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |