Pocono Lake
Pocono Lake is a gravity dam located in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, built in 1957. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Pocono Lake
The primary purpose of Pocono Lake 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 Pocono Lake Preserve (private). It impounds the Tobyhanna Creek near Blakeslee.
The dam stands 47 feet tall and stretches 580 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 518 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,402 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 75 square miles. Completed in 1957, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 09/03/2025.
At 47 feet, this dam is taller than 92% 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 | Monroe |
| Nearest City | Blakeslee |
| River/Stream | Tobyhanna Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.09620, -75.54230 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 47 ft |
| Dam Height | 47 ft |
| Dam Length | 580 ft |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,402 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,402 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,402 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 518 acres |
| Drainage Area | 75 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 48,270 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Pocono Lake Preserve |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/03/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA00781 |
| Federal ID | PA00781 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |