HARRISBURG, PA — Hemlock Lake in Indiana County will be lowered by an additional three feet beginning Thursday, February 26, after inspectors identified deficiencies in part of the dam’s spillway system.
What This Means for You
- Water levels will drop to about six feet below normal pool levels.
- Walk-in ice fishing is prohibited until further notice.
- Both public boat launch ramps are closed.
Why the Water Is Being Lowered
During a recent routine inspection, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission identified deficiencies in the concrete auxiliary spillway. An auxiliary spillway is a secondary channel that allows excess water to flow safely away from a dam during heavy rain or flooding, serving as a backup to prevent overtopping.
The commission said the partial drawdown is a precautionary step to keep the auxiliary spillway dry until repairs can be completed as part of a planned dam rehabilitation project.
Over the next several weeks, depending on rainfall and snowmelt, the lake will be gradually lowered by about three feet from its current level. Because the lake is already about three feet below its full pool elevation due to drought conditions in fall 2025, the additional drawdown will bring the water level to roughly six feet below full pool.
Closures Now in Effect
Effective immediately and until further notice, walk-in ice fishing is prohibited at Hemlock Lake. The east and west access launch ramps will also remain closed.
$5.3 Million Rehabilitation Project Planned
The planned $5.3 million rehabilitation project at Hemlock Lake includes construction of a new reinforced concrete auxiliary spillway and improvements to the dam’s earthen embankment to meet Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards.
Following the issuance of final permits, a full drawdown of the lake is expected, and construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2029. Once work begins, the project is expected to last approximately 1.5 years.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.