Prompton Lake

Prompton, PA

USACE Philadelphia District
Published Feb. 22, 2023
The Prompton Dam was constructed in 1960 to reduce flood risks primarily for the communities of Prompton, Pennsylvania, Hawley, Pennsylvania and Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The 1230-foot long and 147-foot high earthen dam was built in response to severe floods on the Lackawaxen River in 1936, 1942 and 1955.

The Prompton Dam was constructed in 1960 to reduce flood risks primarily for the communities of Prompton, Pennsylvania, Hawley, Pennsylvania and Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The 1230-foot long and 147-foot high earthen dam was built in response to severe floods on the Lackawaxen River in 1936, 1942 and 1955.

The Prompton Dam was constructed in 1960 to reduce flood risks primarily for the communities of Prompton, Pennsylvania, Hawley, Pennsylvania and Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The 1230-foot long and 147-foot high earthen dam was built in response to severe floods on the Lackawaxen River in 1936, 1942 and 1955.

The Prompton Dam was constructed in 1960 to reduce flood risks primarily for the communities of Prompton, Pennsylvania, Hawley, Pennsylvania and Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The 1230-foot long and 147-foot high earthen dam was built in response to severe floods on the Lackawaxen River in 1936, 1942 and 1955.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District widened the spillway at Prompton Dam from from 85 to 130 feet to improve the safety of the dam in 2012. The project has prevented more than $20 million in cumulative damages since its construction.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District widened the spillway at Prompton Dam from from 85 to 130 feet to improve the safety of the dam in 2012. The project has prevented more than $20 million in cumulative damages since its construction.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: PA-8

APPROPRIATION / PHASE: Operation & Maintenance, General

BUSINESS PROGRAM: Flood Damage Reduction

LOCATION: Lackawaxen River Basin

DESCRIPTION: The existing project was adopted as HD 80-113 in 1948, and modified by HD 87- 522 in 1962.  This multi-purpose project (flood control and recreation) is located on the Lackawaxen River four miles above Honesdale, Pa., and 30 miles above its confluence with the Delaware River.  Original project construction was completed in 1960. This project serves to protect various surrounding communities from flooding. It is part of  an integrated reservoir flood control system in conjunction with General Edgar Jadwin Reservoir, it provides flood control protection in varying degrees to the Boroughs of Prompton, Honesdale and Hawley and to smaller communities along the Lackawaxen river. Flood control is the only authorized purpose for this project. A secondary purpose is recreation, as the project resources currently provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and limited picnicking. 

STATUS:  Annual funds are used for routine operations and maintenance of the dam and related structures that include the buildings, grounds & equipment, and management of public-use areas such as access roads, parking lots. Other specific work includes water control, water quality monitoring, real estate, continuing evaluation gathering, and dam safety efforts. In February 2023, USACE Philadelphia finalized the Master Plan and Integrated Environmental Assessment Revision for Prompton Dam and Reservoir. 

PROJECT GOALS: The purpose of this project provides for multiple-purpose development for flood control, water supply and recreation, located on the Lackawaxen River.

PROJECT MANAGER: Monica A. Chasten