Revision as of 19:18, 1 April 2006 editGjs238 (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers146,581 editsm disambiguate PPL← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 21:41, 13 December 2024 edit undoBrobbz (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,454 editsm added IPA | ||
(375 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox body of water | |||
'''Lake Wallenpaupack''' ({{coor dms|41|24|47|N|75|14|25|W}}) is an artificial reservoir in ], ]. It was created in 1927 by ], the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company, for hydroelectric purposes. It is located near ], on the border of ] and ] counties in northeastern ]. | |||
| name = Lake Wallenpaupack | |||
| image = Lake-Wallenpaupack.jpg | |||
| caption = | |||
| image_bathymetry = | |||
| caption_bathymetry = | |||
| location = ] / ] counties, ], ] | |||
| coords = {{coord|41|24|47|N|75|14|25|W|region:US-PA_type:waterbody|display=inline,title}} | |||
| type = ] | |||
| inflow = ]<ref name=PPL>{{cite web |url=http://www.pplweb.com/ppl-generation/ppl-wallenpaupack.aspx |title=PPL's Wallenpaupack hydroelectric plant |accessdate=2012-06-01 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101130847/http://www.pplweb.com/ppl-generation/ppl-wallenpaupack.aspx |archivedate=2012-11-01 }}</ref> | |||
| outflow = ] | |||
| catchment = | |||
| basin_countries = United States | |||
| length ={{convert|13|<!--statute-->smi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=PPL/> | |||
| width ={{convert|1 |<!--statute-->smi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=PPL/> | |||
| area = 9 sq mi (23 km<sup>2</sup>)<ref name=PPL/> | |||
| depth ={{convert|30|ft|m|abbr=on}} | |||
| max-depth={{convert|240|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=PPL/> | |||
| volume = | |||
| shore = {{convert|52|<!--statute mile-->smi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=PPL/> | |||
| elevation ={{convert|1185|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=PPL/> | |||
| islands = Epply, Kipp, Burns, Cairns<ref name=PPL/> | |||
<!-- Map --> | |||
| pushpin_map = Pennsylvania#USA | |||
| pushpin_label_position = | |||
| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania, USA. | |||
| pushpin_map_caption = | |||
<!-- Below --> | |||
| website = | |||
| reference = | |||
}} | |||
'''Lake Wallenpaupack''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|w|ɒ|l|ɪ|n|ˈ|p|ɔː|p|æ|k}}) is a reservoir in ]. After ], it is the second-largest lake contained entirely in ]. It comprises {{convert|52|mi|km|abbr=off|sp=us}} of shoreline, with a length of {{convert|13|mi|km|abbr=off|sp=us}} and a maximum depth of {{convert|60|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}}, and has a surface area in excess of {{convert|5700|acre|ha|abbr=off}}. It was created in 1926 by the ] for ] purposes as well as flood control; however, it is best known as one of several major recreational destinations in the ]. It is located near the ] of ], and forms part of the boundary between ] and ] counties. See map.<ref name=Map/> | |||
== History == | |||
According to the : | |||
The indigenous ] people named the area "Wallenpaupack" which means "The Stream of Swift and Slow Water." ] later owned the land and then deeded it to his son ]. Upon his death it went to the Penn estate, which sold approximately {{convert|12000|acre|ha|abbr=off}} in 1793 to ], one of the signers of the ].<ref>Smith, Charles Page. ''James Wilson Founding Father 1742–1798''. Chapel Hill: North Carolina UP, 1956. Print.</ref> | |||
<blockquote> | |||
Construction started early in 1924 and 2,700 men worked nearly 2 years to complete the project. It included the dam, the power plant, and the giant wooden flow line to carry the water from the Lake to the plant location 3 1/2 miles away. The original wooden structure, one of the worlds largest pipelines at that time, was constructed from 5 million board feet of douglas fir and transported by ship from the state of Washington. | |||
In order to create the lake, ] constructed a dam on ] at ] and a ] named the Tafton Dike. The project took 2,700 men from 1924 to 1926 to complete and seven months for the reservoir to fill after the dam was closed off. Land to be flooded was purchased by PP&L from about 100 owners at about {{convert|20|$/acre|$/ha|sigfig=1}} and most of the property was razed or moved. Some house foundations remained, and as the valley was flooded the water was so clear that one could see the foundations under the water. Trees were cut but stumps were not removed. In all, {{convert|17|mi}} of roads and utility poles were rerouted, and Purdytown cemetery<ref>{{cite web|title=Purdytown Cemetery|url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mjwanc/purdy.htm|publisher=ancestry.com|accessdate=June 13, 2012}}</ref> had to be relocated. The former town of Wilsonville, which had been named after James Wilson, now lies under the water near the dam.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.neagle.com/article/20120719/NEWS/307199992 | title=Town Under the Lake | publisher=The News Eagle | author=Peter Becker | date=Jul 19, 2012 | accessdate=September 10, 2013}}</ref> The lake was officially opened to the public on July 31, 1926.<ref>{{cite web |title=Outdoor Lovers Have New PA Lake |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/279401943/?clipping_id=120477878&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjI3OTQwMTk0MywiaWF0IjoxNjc4MzM0OTMyLCJleHAiOjE2Nzg0MjEzMzJ9.ZogNmrBOKeBcV8FNTtjRrql1YDcsZz05v4Y4QCgd4iI |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The Morning Call |access-date=9 March 2023}}</ref> Water travels {{convert|3+1/2|mi|km|round=0.5}} in a {{convert|13|ft|m|1|abbr=off|adj=mid|-diameter|sp=us}} steel pipe (originally wood) to power two turbines which combined can generate 44 megawatts of power. Discharge is into the Lakawaxen River, which flows into the Delaware River. | |||
The Wallenpaupack 44,000 KW power plant was constructed simultaneously with the dam and put into service in 1926. The plant increased PPL's system generating capacity approximately 25% in 1926. It's system-wide generating capacity, when the plant went on line, was only about 225,000 KW. | |||
</blockquote> | |||
PP&L managed the {{convert|3300|acre|ha|abbr=off}} of land around the lake until June 2015. While homeowners have access rights, they must apply for permits for installing landscaping or exterior lights and cannot cut down vegetation to improve their view of the lake without a permit — a provision to keep the man-made lake's shore natural looking when viewed from the water and to minimize erosion.{{quote | text= PP&L knows every rock and tree on this shoreline, and they are very good stewards of the lake | sign=Jo-Ann Rose | source=Administrator for Palmyra Twp. in Pike County<ref name=pullout>{{cite news|last1=Falchek|first1=David|title=PP&L pullout means uncertainty for Lake Wallenpaupack|url=http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/ppl-pullout-means-uncertainty-for-lake-wallenpaupack-1.1714707|accessdate=March 18, 2015|publisher=The Times-Tribune|date=June 6, 2014}}</ref>}} | |||
Lake Wallenpaupack is a center of recreation for the surrounding communities, providing boating and fishing access in the summertime, as well as ice skating and ice fishing in the winter. | |||
==Climate== | |||
The lake was the subject of "]", a ] episode of the ] sitcom, '']''. In the episode of the show, which is set in nearby ], the office crew goes on a "motivational" cruise on the lake. The episode, like the rest of the series, was filmed in ]. | |||
According to the ] system, Lake Wallenpaupack has a Temperate ] (''Dc'') with warm summers (''b''), cold winters (''o'') and year-around precipitation (''Dcbo''). ''Dcbo'' climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ {{convert|32.0|°F|1}}, four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ {{convert|50.0|°F|1}}, all months with an average mean temperature < {{convert|72.0|°F|1}} and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are comfortably humid at Lake Wallenpaupack, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with ] values > {{convert|93|°F|0}}. Since 1981, the highest air temperature was {{convert|94.1|°F|1}} on August 6, 2001, and the highest daily average mean ] was {{convert|70.8|°F|1}} on August 1, 2006. July is the peak month for ] activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was {{convert|5.83|in|mm|0}} on September 17, 2004. During the winter months, the ] is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{convert|-13.1|°F|1}}.<ref name="USDA">{{cite web|url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx|publisher=]|accessdate=September 10, 2019|title=USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704214427/https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/phzmweb/interactivemap.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was {{convert|-27.9|°F|1}} on January 21, 1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with ] values < {{convert|-26|°F|0}}. The average snowiest month is January which correlates with the average coldest month of the year. ]s and large snowstorms depositing ≥ {{convert|12|in|cm|0}} of snow occur nearly every year, particularly during ]s from December through March. | |||
{{Pennsylvania-geo-stub}} | |||
{{Weather box | |||
] | |||
| width = auto | |||
] | |||
| single line = Y | |||
|location = Lake Wallenpaupack, Elevation {{convert|1188|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}, 1981-2010 normals, extremes 1981-2018 | |||
| Jan record high F = 63.2 | |||
| Feb record high F = 72.2 | |||
| Mar record high F = 82.5 | |||
| Apr record high F = 87.8 | |||
| May record high F = 91.0 | |||
| Jun record high F = 90.7 | |||
| Jul record high F = 93.9 | |||
| Aug record high F = 94.1 | |||
| Sep record high F = 91.0 | |||
| Oct record high F = 83.1 | |||
| Nov record high F = 79.0 | |||
| Dec record high F = 67.5 | |||
| year record high F = 94.1 | |||
| Jan high F = 32.2 | |||
| Feb high F = 35.3 | |||
| Mar high F = 43.6 | |||
| Apr high F = 56.0 | |||
| May high F = 67.1 | |||
| Jun high F = 75.1 | |||
| Jul high F = 78.7 | |||
| Aug high F = 78.1 | |||
| Sep high F = 71.0 | |||
| Oct high F = 59.8 | |||
| Nov high F = 48.2 | |||
| Dec high F = 36.4 | |||
| year high F = 56.9 | |||
| Jan mean F = 22.5 | |||
| Feb mean F = 25.0 | |||
| Mar mean F = 32.9 | |||
| Apr mean F = 44.6 | |||
| May mean F = 55.2 | |||
| Jun mean F = 64.0 | |||
| Jul mean F = 67.9 | |||
| Aug mean F = 66.9 | |||
| Sep mean F = 59.4 | |||
| Oct mean F = 48.0 | |||
| Nov mean F = 38.6 | |||
| Dec mean F = 27.7 | |||
| year mean F = 46.2 | |||
| Jan low F = 12.9 | |||
| Feb low F = 14.8 | |||
| Mar low F = 22.1 | |||
| Apr low F = 33.2 | |||
| May low F = 43.4 | |||
| Jun low F = 53.0 | |||
| Jul low F = 57.1 | |||
| Aug low F = 55.7 | |||
| Sep low F = 47.7 | |||
| Oct low F = 36.3 | |||
| Nov low F = 29.0 | |||
| Dec low F = 18.9 | |||
| year low F = 35.4 | |||
| Jan record low F = -27.9 | |||
| Feb record low F = -17.3 | |||
| Mar record low F = -10.0 | |||
| Apr record low F = 9.9 | |||
| May record low F = 25.1 | |||
| Jun record low F = 31.4 | |||
| Jul record low F = 40.4 | |||
| Aug record low F = 35.9 | |||
| Sep record low F = 26.6 | |||
| Oct record low F = 16.3 | |||
| Nov record low F = -1.9 | |||
| Dec record low F = -17.2 | |||
| year record low F = -27.9 | |||
| precipitation colour = green | |||
| Jan precipitation inch = 2.82 | |||
| Feb precipitation inch = 2.55 | |||
| Mar precipitation inch = 3.18 | |||
| Apr precipitation inch = 3.62 | |||
| May precipitation inch = 3.99 | |||
| Jun precipitation inch = 4.46 | |||
| Jul precipitation inch = 3.89 | |||
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.77 | |||
| Sep precipitation inch = 4.21 | |||
| Oct precipitation inch = 4.18 | |||
| Nov precipitation inch = 3.37 | |||
| Dec precipitation inch = 3.32 | |||
| year precipitation inch = 43.36 | |||
| Jan snow inch = 15.7 | |||
| Feb snow inch = 11.2 | |||
| Mar snow inch = 11.7 | |||
| Apr snow inch = 2.8 | |||
| May snow inch = 0.0 | |||
| Jun snow inch = 0.0 | |||
| Jul snow inch = 0.0 | |||
| Aug snow inch = 0.0 | |||
| Sep snow inch = 0.0 | |||
| Oct snow inch = 0.1 | |||
| Nov snow inch = 3.0 | |||
| Dec snow inch = 9.4 | |||
| year snow inch = 53.8 | |||
| humidity colour = green | |||
| Jan humidity = 73.5 | |||
| Feb humidity = 68.8 | |||
| Mar humidity = 63.6 | |||
| Apr humidity = 60.3 | |||
| May humidity = 62.9 | |||
| Jun humidity = 72.5 | |||
| Jul humidity = 72.7 | |||
| Aug humidity = 74.4 | |||
| Sep humidity = 75.1 | |||
| Oct humidity = 71.4 | |||
| Nov humidity = 71.3 | |||
| Dec humidity = 73.7 | |||
| year humidity = 70.0 | |||
| Jan dew point F = 15.3 | |||
| Feb dew point F = 16.2 | |||
| Mar dew point F = 21.9 | |||
| Apr dew point F = 31.7 | |||
| May dew point F = 42.8 | |||
| Jun dew point F = 55.0 | |||
| Jul dew point F = 58.8 | |||
| Aug dew point F = 58.5 | |||
| Sep dew point F = 51.5 | |||
| Oct dew point F = 39.2 | |||
| Nov dew point F = 30.1 | |||
| Dec dew point F = 20.4 | |||
| year dew point F = 36.9 | |||
| source = PRISM<ref name=prism>{{cite web |url=http://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/|title=PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University|access-date=September 10, 2019 }}</ref>}} | |||
==Hydrology== | |||
The lake's surface area is approximately {{convert|5700|acre|ha|abbr=off}}. It was created by the construction of a {{convert|70|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} dam and the Tafton Dike at the east end. The largest inflow into Lake Wallenpaupack is ], at the west end of the lake. The dividing line between the lake and the creek is the Ledgedale Road bridge. East Wallenpaupack Creek extends south through ] and into the northern edge of Monroe County. West Wallenpaupack Creek extends to ] and Lake Henry. Streams directly entering the lake include Waynewood, Goose Pond, Purdy, Strohs, Lyons and Beach House creeks, and Stony, Spring Hill, Seeleys and Mill brooks. | |||
Because the lake exists to generate hydroelectric power, every spring the water level is allowed to rise to a target elevation of {{cvt|1187|ft|m}} for June 1, then during the summer and early fall, progressively lower until it reaches {{cvt|1,179|ft|m}}. Late fall and into early spring the water level is maintained at {{cvt|1181-1182|ft|m}}. Snowpack melt is used to raise the water level during April and May. People with waterfront property move their private docks out as the water recedes (see photos). Docks and buoys must be removed from the lake to above the high water line by December 1 and not placed back in the lake until after ice is gone.<ref name=Brookfield /> Homeowners along the lake have access rights but not privacy rights - anyone can walk along the shoreline below the high water line. Fences or other barriers are not allowed.<ref name=PPL/> | |||
==Ownership changes== | |||
In June 2014 PP&L announced it would be divesting its electrical generation facilities.<ref name=talen>{{cite news|last1=Poole|first1=Claire|title=PPL, Riverstone create Talen Energy|url=http://www.thestreet.com/story/12739630/1/ppl-riverstone-create-talen-energy.html|accessdate=March 18, 2015|publisher=The Street|date=June 10, 2014}}</ref> Plans called for a spin-off to a newly created company ] formed from the generation assets of PP&L and Riverstone Holdings. On June 1, 2015 Talen Energy became the official owner of Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project generation plant and therefore control, under the ] license, of Lake Wallenpaupack.<ref name=Morningcall2>{{cite news|last1=Kraus|first1=Scott|title=Talen Energy launches Monday, sells stock Tuesday|url=http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/mc-ppl-talen-energy-launch-20150531-story.html|accessdate=June 1, 2015|publisher=The Morning Call|date=June 1, 2015|archive-date=June 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602190221/http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/mc-ppl-talen-energy-launch-20150531-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In order to comply with a FERC regulation, on October 8, 2015 Talen Energy announced plans to sell the Lake Wallenpaupack hydroelectric project to ] Partners L.P of Toronto, Canada.<ref name=MC2>{{cite news|last1=Kraus|first1=Scott|title=Talen Energy to sell Wallenpaupack, two other power plants|url=http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-talen-sells-wallenpaupack-20151008-story.html|accessdate=October 8, 2015|publisher=The Morning Call|date=October 8, 2015}}</ref> The sale was completed on April 1, 2016.<ref name="Morningcall3">{{cite news|last1=Kraus|first1=Scott|title=Talen Energy completes power plant sales, including Lake Wallenpaupack|url=http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-talen-power-plant-sale-20160401-story.html|accessdate=5 May 2016|work=The Morning Call|date=2 April 2016}}</ref> Brookfield maintains website information about its management of Lake Wallenpaupack.<ref name=Brookfield>{{cite web |url=https://safewaters.com/facility/11 |title=Lake Wallenpaupack water level information |last= |first= |date= |website=Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. |access-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322234012/https://safewaters.com/facility/11 }}</ref> | |||
== Recreation == | |||
An integral part of the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains, Lake Wallenpaupack is a recreation attraction in the tri-state area (], ] and ]), particularly in the summertime. The lake provides boating, swimming, and fishing access in the summer, as well as snowmobiling, ice skating and ice fishing in the winter. A free boat launch facility for trailered boats is located at Mangan Cove, located off of State Route 590. There are launch-for-fee access areas at Caffrey, Ironwood Point, Ledgedale and Wilsonville. The lake has no boat horsepower limit. Boat speeds are limited to {{convert|25|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}} between sunset and sunrise. Summer weekends, daytime boat speeds are limited to {{convert|45|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fishandboat.com/Resource/Lakes/Pages/LakeWallenpaupack.aspx |title=Lake Wallenpaupack |last= |first= |date= |website=Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission |access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> The lake's wooded shoreline provides opportunities for hiking and viewing wildlife, including whitetail deer and black bear. Shuman Point has parking and a {{convert|3|mi|km|0|abbr=off|spell=on|sp=us|adj=on}} trail of moderate difficulty.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brodheadwatershed.org/gopoconos/ShumanPoint.html |title=Shuman Point Natural Area |last=Hillestad |first=Carol |date=2015 |website=Get Outdoors Poconos |access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> Lake fish include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Walleye, ] and ] have been stocked in the lake.<ref> Pike County, PA</ref> The lake is {{convert|13|mi|km}} long, has {{convert|52|mi|km}} of shoreline, and is about {{convert|60|ft|m}} deep at its maximum depth.<ref name=PPL/><ref name=Map/> | |||
There are four islands, all open to the public for daytime visits but no overnight camping. From east to west: Epply, Kipp, Burns and Cairns.<ref name=Map> Pennsylvania Power & Light</ref> Kipp may be closed to the public until August because bald eagles have established a nest site on the island and return to it most years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neagle.com/article/20100526/NEWS/305269992 |title=Eagles move on to island on Lake Wallenpaupack |last=Renn |first=Thomas |date=26 May 2010 |website=The News Eagle |access-date=9 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
The last weekend of August hosts Wally Lake Fest, a three-day weekend of events scattered on and around the lake and in the neighboring town of Hawley, including the live music Wallypalooza held on docks floating in front of the Tafton Dike.<ref> Wally Lake Fest Committee</ref> A notable activity during the winter months on Lake Wallenpaupack is its annual "Ice Tee Golf Tournament", which takes place on the frozen lake. The tournament is a 9-hole competition hosted by The Chamber of the Northern Poconos.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northernpoconoschamber.com/wally-ice-fest |title=Ice Tee Golf |last= |first= |date= |website=The Chamber of the Northern Poconos |access-date=22 September 2018}}</ref> | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:DockSpring.jpg|Dock in spring when water level is high | |||
File:DockSummer.jpg|Same dock in summer when water level is lower; held in place with ropes to shore | |||
File:LW Dam.jpg|Dam, with water flowing after a hurricane had caused record high water. The flume (large pipe) transports water to generator, miles away. | |||
File:Lightning-B.jpg|Lightning class sailboat; motorboating, water skiing and fishing also popular | |||
File:Deer-A.jpg|Whitetail deer are frequently seen near houses and on roads | |||
File:Lake Wallenpaupack - harbor (1349149596).jpg|View from east shore looking west (up lake). Epply Island visible left side | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Water ecology== | |||
Lake Wallenpaupack faces a number of environmental problems, including water-quality issues from heavy boat usage, ] and rapid ] related to agricultural runoff, and an invasion of ] along the shores.<ref>http://www.wayneindependent.com/archive/x1059369105{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} "Lake Wallenpaupack Ecology Diligently Overseen" by Peter Becker, ''Wayne Independent'', Tue Jan 29, 2008{{dead link|date=August 2017}}</ref> Concerted efforts to improve water quality led to the lake being removed from Pennsylvania's list of impaired waters in 2016, twenty years after having been so designated.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-12/documents/pa_wallen_508.pdf |title=Lake Wallenpaupack Improves After Best Management Practices and Outreach are Implemented to Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution |last= |first= |date= |website=United States Environmental Protection Agency |access-date=24 September 2018}}</ref> The lake is used as an educational resource to teach ecology to students of the ].<ref></ref> The Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District (LWWMD) is a nonprofit organization started in 1979 and dedicated to improving the water quality of the lake.<ref name=LWWMD>{{cite web |url=http://wallenpaupackwatershed.org/ |title=Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District |last= |first= |date= |website=Wallenpaupack Watershed.org |access-date=24 September 2018}}</ref> | |||
==Land ecology== | |||
According to the ] U.S. ] types, Lake Wallenpaupack would have a transient dominant vegetation type of Appalachian ] (''104'') and Northern ] (''106'') with a transient vegetation form of Eastern ] Forest and ].<ref name="Conservation Biology Institute">{{cite web|url=https://databasin.org/datasets/1c7a301c8e6843f2b4fe63fdb3a9fe39|accessdate= September 10, 2019|title=U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)}}</ref> Groves of Eastern hemlock ( '']'') trees are dying because of infestation with the sap-sucking ] ''Adelges tsugae'' (]).<ref>United States Forest Service: </ref> The peak spring bloom typically occurs in early-May and peak fall color usually occurs in early-October. The ] is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{convert|-13.1|°F|1}}.<ref name="USDA" /> | |||
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania established Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in 2003. Lake Wallenpaupack, which is on the dividing line of Wayne and Pike counties, is in WMU 3D.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/HabitatManagement/WildlifeManagementUnits/Pages/default.aspx |title=Wildlife Management Units |last= |first= |date= |website=Pennsylvania Game Commission |access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref> Statewide, deer over-population had had a negative impact on plant ecology due to over-browsing of ground cover and young trees. As of 2018, the deer population is estimated at 1,500,000 which corresponds to a population density of {{cvt|30|PD/sqmi|PD/km2}}. Traditional hunting practices had allowed shooting of only antlered male deer. This fostered a large sex-ratio imbalance and fast population growth. Pennsylvania instituted antlerless hunting to manage the over-population problem. In 2003, 465,000 deer were shot during hunting season, and the female to male ratio was 2.25:1. In 2018, 375,000 deer were shot and the ratio had decreased to 1.5:1. The harvest in the WMU 3D area around Lake Wallenpaupack is 8,000 to 10,000 deer per year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunting/HarvestDataandMaps/Pages/default.aspx |title=Whitetail Deer Harvest Data and Maps |last= |first= |date= |website=Pennsylvania Game Commission |access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref> | |||
==In popular culture== | |||
*Lake Wallenpaupack was featured as a retreat location in the popular TV show '']'' in the eleventh episode of the second season, "]". However, the episode was not filmed on Lake Wallenpaupack (which would have been frozen, as the event was described as taking place in January). Principal filming took place in Long Beach Harbor, California.<ref name="Giant">Giant, M. (January 5, 2006) {{cite web|url=http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/show/the-office/booze-cruise.php |title=Booze Cruise - the Office TV Show - Booze Cruise - the Office Recaps, the Office Reviews, the Office Episodes | TWoP |accessdate=2012-06-16 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829184438/http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/show/the-office/booze-cruise.php |archivedate=August 29, 2012 }} ], Retrieved June 17, 2008</ref> It is also mentioned in the season 3 episode "Traveling Salesmen" when Michael and Andy are on a sales call. | |||
*The lake is the setting of the children's book ''Baked Beans for Breakfast'' (1970; republished in 1974 as ''The Secret Summer'') by ]. | |||
*Cove Haven Resort, a couples-only hotel, with heart-shaped bathtubs, has been in business since 1958, and is part of the reason the Poconos are referred to as a “Honeymoon Capital of the World."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.covepoconoresorts.com |title=Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts |last= |first= |date= |website=Cove Haven, Lakeville, PA |access-date=24 September 2018}}</ref> | |||
*The lake is referenced in the title of the 2020 EP ''The Phantasm at Lake Wallenpaupack'' by the Vermont-based rock band Fever Dolls.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://feverdolls.com/music |title=Fever Dolls |last= |first= |date= |website=Burlington, Vermont |access-date=10 December 2020}}</ref> | |||
*The lake is referenced in Abbot elementary in season two episode 13 when Ava is talking about her jet ski fund. | |||
==References== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
{{Commons category}} | |||
==External links== | |||
* | |||
* | |||
{{Pocono Mountains}} | |||
{{authority control}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wallenpaupack, Lake}} | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 21:41, 13 December 2024
Reservoir in Pennsylvania, United StatesLake Wallenpaupack | |
---|---|
Lake WallenpaupackShow map of PennsylvaniaLake WallenpaupackShow map of the United States | |
Location | Pike / Wayne counties, Pennsylvania, United States |
Coordinates | 41°24′47″N 75°14′25″W / 41.41306°N 75.24028°W / 41.41306; -75.24028 |
Type | Reservoir |
Primary inflows | Wallenpaupack Creek |
Primary outflows | Lackawaxen River |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 13 mi (21 km) |
Max. width | 1 mi (1.6 km) |
Surface area | 9 sq mi (23 km) |
Average depth | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
Max. depth | 240 ft (73 m) |
Shore length | 52 mi (84 km) |
Surface elevation | 1,185 ft (361 m) |
Islands | Epply, Kipp, Burns, Cairns |
Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Lake Wallenpaupack (/ˌwɒlɪnˈpɔːpæk/) is a reservoir in Northeastern Pennsylvania. After Raystown Lake, it is the second-largest lake contained entirely in Pennsylvania. It comprises 52 miles (84 kilometers) of shoreline, with a length of 13 miles (21 kilometers) and a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters), and has a surface area in excess of 5,700 acres (2,300 hectares). It was created in 1926 by the PPL Corporation for hydroelectric purposes as well as flood control; however, it is best known as one of several major recreational destinations in the Pocono Mountains. It is located near the Borough of Hawley, and forms part of the boundary between Pike and Wayne counties. See map.
History
The indigenous Lenape people named the area "Wallenpaupack" which means "The Stream of Swift and Slow Water." William Penn later owned the land and then deeded it to his son Thomas Penn. Upon his death it went to the Penn estate, which sold approximately 12,000 acres (4,900 hectares) in 1793 to James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
In order to create the lake, PPL Corporation constructed a dam on Wallenpaupack Creek at Wilsonville and a levee named the Tafton Dike. The project took 2,700 men from 1924 to 1926 to complete and seven months for the reservoir to fill after the dam was closed off. Land to be flooded was purchased by PP&L from about 100 owners at about $20 per acre ($50/ha) and most of the property was razed or moved. Some house foundations remained, and as the valley was flooded the water was so clear that one could see the foundations under the water. Trees were cut but stumps were not removed. In all, 17 miles (27 km) of roads and utility poles were rerouted, and Purdytown cemetery had to be relocated. The former town of Wilsonville, which had been named after James Wilson, now lies under the water near the dam. The lake was officially opened to the public on July 31, 1926. Water travels 3+1⁄2 miles (5.5 km) in a 13-foot-diameter (4.0-meter) steel pipe (originally wood) to power two turbines which combined can generate 44 megawatts of power. Discharge is into the Lakawaxen River, which flows into the Delaware River.
PP&L managed the 3,300 acres (1,300 hectares) of land around the lake until June 2015. While homeowners have access rights, they must apply for permits for installing landscaping or exterior lights and cannot cut down vegetation to improve their view of the lake without a permit — a provision to keep the man-made lake's shore natural looking when viewed from the water and to minimize erosion.
PP&L knows every rock and tree on this shoreline, and they are very good stewards of the lake
— Jo-Ann Rose, Administrator for Palmyra Twp. in Pike County
Climate
According to the Trewartha climate classification system, Lake Wallenpaupack has a Temperate Continental climate (Dc) with warm summers (b), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcbo). Dcbo climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), all months with an average mean temperature < 72.0 °F (22.2 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are comfortably humid at Lake Wallenpaupack, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 93 °F (34 °C). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 94.1 °F (34.5 °C) on August 6, 2001, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 70.8 °F (21.6 °C) on August 1, 2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 5.83 inches (148 mm) on September 17, 2004. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −13.1 °F (−25.1 °C). Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −27.9 °F (−33.3 °C) on January 21, 1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −26 °F (−32 °C). The average snowiest month is January which correlates with the average coldest month of the year. Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30 cm) of snow occur nearly every year, particularly during nor’easters from December through March.
Climate data for Lake Wallenpaupack, Elevation 1,188 ft (362 m), 1981-2010 normals, extremes 1981-2018 | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °F (°C) | 63.2 (17.3) |
72.2 (22.3) |
82.5 (28.1) |
87.8 (31.0) |
91.0 (32.8) |
90.7 (32.6) |
93.9 (34.4) |
94.1 (34.5) |
91.0 (32.8) |
83.1 (28.4) |
79.0 (26.1) |
67.5 (19.7) |
94.1 (34.5) |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 32.2 (0.1) |
35.3 (1.8) |
43.6 (6.4) |
56.0 (13.3) |
67.1 (19.5) |
75.1 (23.9) |
78.7 (25.9) |
78.1 (25.6) |
71.0 (21.7) |
59.8 (15.4) |
48.2 (9.0) |
36.4 (2.4) |
56.9 (13.8) |
Daily mean °F (°C) | 22.5 (−5.3) |
25.0 (−3.9) |
32.9 (0.5) |
44.6 (7.0) |
55.2 (12.9) |
64.0 (17.8) |
67.9 (19.9) |
66.9 (19.4) |
59.4 (15.2) |
48.0 (8.9) |
38.6 (3.7) |
27.7 (−2.4) |
46.2 (7.9) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 12.9 (−10.6) |
14.8 (−9.6) |
22.1 (−5.5) |
33.2 (0.7) |
43.4 (6.3) |
53.0 (11.7) |
57.1 (13.9) |
55.7 (13.2) |
47.7 (8.7) |
36.3 (2.4) |
29.0 (−1.7) |
18.9 (−7.3) |
35.4 (1.9) |
Record low °F (°C) | −27.9 (−33.3) |
−17.3 (−27.4) |
−10.0 (−23.3) |
9.9 (−12.3) |
25.1 (−3.8) |
31.4 (−0.3) |
40.4 (4.7) |
35.9 (2.2) |
26.6 (−3.0) |
16.3 (−8.7) |
−1.9 (−18.8) |
−17.2 (−27.3) |
−27.9 (−33.3) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.82 (72) |
2.55 (65) |
3.18 (81) |
3.62 (92) |
3.99 (101) |
4.46 (113) |
3.89 (99) |
3.77 (96) |
4.21 (107) |
4.18 (106) |
3.37 (86) |
3.32 (84) |
43.36 (1,101) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 15.7 (40) |
11.2 (28) |
11.7 (30) |
2.8 (7.1) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
3.0 (7.6) |
9.4 (24) |
53.8 (137) |
Average relative humidity (%) | 73.5 | 68.8 | 63.6 | 60.3 | 62.9 | 72.5 | 72.7 | 74.4 | 75.1 | 71.4 | 71.3 | 73.7 | 70.0 |
Average dew point °F (°C) | 15.3 (−9.3) |
16.2 (−8.8) |
21.9 (−5.6) |
31.7 (−0.2) |
42.8 (6.0) |
55.0 (12.8) |
58.8 (14.9) |
58.5 (14.7) |
51.5 (10.8) |
39.2 (4.0) |
30.1 (−1.1) |
20.4 (−6.4) |
36.9 (2.7) |
Source: PRISM |
Hydrology
The lake's surface area is approximately 5,700 acres (2,300 hectares). It was created by the construction of a 70-foot-tall (21 m) dam and the Tafton Dike at the east end. The largest inflow into Lake Wallenpaupack is Wallenpaupack Creek, at the west end of the lake. The dividing line between the lake and the creek is the Ledgedale Road bridge. East Wallenpaupack Creek extends south through Newfoundland and into the northern edge of Monroe County. West Wallenpaupack Creek extends to Mt Cobb and Lake Henry. Streams directly entering the lake include Waynewood, Goose Pond, Purdy, Strohs, Lyons and Beach House creeks, and Stony, Spring Hill, Seeleys and Mill brooks.
Because the lake exists to generate hydroelectric power, every spring the water level is allowed to rise to a target elevation of 1,187 ft (362 m) for June 1, then during the summer and early fall, progressively lower until it reaches 1,179 ft (359 m). Late fall and into early spring the water level is maintained at 1,181–1,182 ft (360–360 m). Snowpack melt is used to raise the water level during April and May. People with waterfront property move their private docks out as the water recedes (see photos). Docks and buoys must be removed from the lake to above the high water line by December 1 and not placed back in the lake until after ice is gone. Homeowners along the lake have access rights but not privacy rights - anyone can walk along the shoreline below the high water line. Fences or other barriers are not allowed.
Ownership changes
In June 2014 PP&L announced it would be divesting its electrical generation facilities. Plans called for a spin-off to a newly created company Talen Energy formed from the generation assets of PP&L and Riverstone Holdings. On June 1, 2015 Talen Energy became the official owner of Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project generation plant and therefore control, under the FERC license, of Lake Wallenpaupack. In order to comply with a FERC regulation, on October 8, 2015 Talen Energy announced plans to sell the Lake Wallenpaupack hydroelectric project to Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P of Toronto, Canada. The sale was completed on April 1, 2016. Brookfield maintains website information about its management of Lake Wallenpaupack.
Recreation
An integral part of the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains, Lake Wallenpaupack is a recreation attraction in the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York), particularly in the summertime. The lake provides boating, swimming, and fishing access in the summer, as well as snowmobiling, ice skating and ice fishing in the winter. A free boat launch facility for trailered boats is located at Mangan Cove, located off of State Route 590. There are launch-for-fee access areas at Caffrey, Ironwood Point, Ledgedale and Wilsonville. The lake has no boat horsepower limit. Boat speeds are limited to 25 mph (40 km/h; 22 kn) between sunset and sunrise. Summer weekends, daytime boat speeds are limited to 45 mph (72 km/h; 39 kn). The lake's wooded shoreline provides opportunities for hiking and viewing wildlife, including whitetail deer and black bear. Shuman Point has parking and a three-mile (five-kilometer) trail of moderate difficulty. Lake fish include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, pickerel, rainbow trout, brown trout, catfish and yellow perch. Walleye, striped bass and hybrid striped bass have been stocked in the lake. The lake is 13 miles (21 km) long, has 52 miles (84 km) of shoreline, and is about 60 feet (18 m) deep at its maximum depth.
There are four islands, all open to the public for daytime visits but no overnight camping. From east to west: Epply, Kipp, Burns and Cairns. Kipp may be closed to the public until August because bald eagles have established a nest site on the island and return to it most years.
The last weekend of August hosts Wally Lake Fest, a three-day weekend of events scattered on and around the lake and in the neighboring town of Hawley, including the live music Wallypalooza held on docks floating in front of the Tafton Dike. A notable activity during the winter months on Lake Wallenpaupack is its annual "Ice Tee Golf Tournament", which takes place on the frozen lake. The tournament is a 9-hole competition hosted by The Chamber of the Northern Poconos.
- Dock in spring when water level is high
- Same dock in summer when water level is lower; held in place with ropes to shore
- Dam, with water flowing after a hurricane had caused record high water. The flume (large pipe) transports water to generator, miles away.
- Lightning class sailboat; motorboating, water skiing and fishing also popular
- Whitetail deer are frequently seen near houses and on roads
- View from east shore looking west (up lake). Epply Island visible left side
Water ecology
Lake Wallenpaupack faces a number of environmental problems, including water-quality issues from heavy boat usage, algal blooms and rapid sedimentation related to agricultural runoff, and an invasion of purple loosestrife along the shores. Concerted efforts to improve water quality led to the lake being removed from Pennsylvania's list of impaired waters in 2016, twenty years after having been so designated. The lake is used as an educational resource to teach ecology to students of the Wallenpaupack Area School District. The Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District (LWWMD) is a nonprofit organization started in 1979 and dedicated to improving the water quality of the lake.
Land ecology
According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Lake Wallenpaupack would have a transient dominant vegetation type of Appalachian Oak (104) and Northern Hardwood (106) with a transient vegetation form of Eastern Hardwood Forest and Northern hardwood forest. Groves of Eastern hemlock ( T. canadensis) trees are dying because of infestation with the sap-sucking insect Adelges tsugae (hemlock woolly adelgid). The peak spring bloom typically occurs in early-May and peak fall color usually occurs in early-October. The plant hardiness zone is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −13.1 °F (−25.1 °C).
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania established Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in 2003. Lake Wallenpaupack, which is on the dividing line of Wayne and Pike counties, is in WMU 3D. Statewide, deer over-population had had a negative impact on plant ecology due to over-browsing of ground cover and young trees. As of 2018, the deer population is estimated at 1,500,000 which corresponds to a population density of 30/sq mi (12/km). Traditional hunting practices had allowed shooting of only antlered male deer. This fostered a large sex-ratio imbalance and fast population growth. Pennsylvania instituted antlerless hunting to manage the over-population problem. In 2003, 465,000 deer were shot during hunting season, and the female to male ratio was 2.25:1. In 2018, 375,000 deer were shot and the ratio had decreased to 1.5:1. The harvest in the WMU 3D area around Lake Wallenpaupack is 8,000 to 10,000 deer per year.
In popular culture
- Lake Wallenpaupack was featured as a retreat location in the popular TV show The Office in the eleventh episode of the second season, "Booze Cruise". However, the episode was not filmed on Lake Wallenpaupack (which would have been frozen, as the event was described as taking place in January). Principal filming took place in Long Beach Harbor, California. It is also mentioned in the season 3 episode "Traveling Salesmen" when Michael and Andy are on a sales call.
- The lake is the setting of the children's book Baked Beans for Breakfast (1970; republished in 1974 as The Secret Summer) by Ruth Chew.
- Cove Haven Resort, a couples-only hotel, with heart-shaped bathtubs, has been in business since 1958, and is part of the reason the Poconos are referred to as a “Honeymoon Capital of the World."
- The lake is referenced in the title of the 2020 EP The Phantasm at Lake Wallenpaupack by the Vermont-based rock band Fever Dolls.
- The lake is referenced in Abbot elementary in season two episode 13 when Ava is talking about her jet ski fund.
References
- ^ "PPL's Wallenpaupack hydroelectric plant". Archived from the original on 2012-11-01. Retrieved 2012-06-01.
- ^ Boating Guide Map Pennsylvania Power & Light
- Smith, Charles Page. James Wilson Founding Father 1742–1798. Chapel Hill: North Carolina UP, 1956. Print.
- "Purdytown Cemetery". ancestry.com. Retrieved June 13, 2012.
- Peter Becker (Jul 19, 2012). "Town Under the Lake". The News Eagle. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
- "Outdoor Lovers Have New PA Lake". Newspapers.com. The Morning Call. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- Falchek, David (June 6, 2014). "PP&L pullout means uncertainty for Lake Wallenpaupack". The Times-Tribune. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- ^ "USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map". United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on July 4, 2019. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
- "PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University". Retrieved September 10, 2019.
- ^ "Lake Wallenpaupack water level information". Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
- Poole, Claire (June 10, 2014). "PPL, Riverstone create Talen Energy". The Street. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- Kraus, Scott (June 1, 2015). "Talen Energy launches Monday, sells stock Tuesday". The Morning Call. Archived from the original on June 2, 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- Kraus, Scott (October 8, 2015). "Talen Energy to sell Wallenpaupack, two other power plants". The Morning Call. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
- Kraus, Scott (2 April 2016). "Talen Energy completes power plant sales, including Lake Wallenpaupack". The Morning Call. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
- "Lake Wallenpaupack". Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
- Hillestad, Carol (2015). "Shuman Point Natural Area". Get Outdoors Poconos. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
- Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Pike County, PA
- Renn, Thomas (26 May 2010). "Eagles move on to island on Lake Wallenpaupack". The News Eagle. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
- Wally Lake Fest Wally Lake Fest Committee
- "Ice Tee Golf". The Chamber of the Northern Poconos. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
- http://www.wayneindependent.com/archive/x1059369105 "Lake Wallenpaupack Ecology Diligently Overseen" by Peter Becker, Wayne Independent, Tue Jan 29, 2008
- "Lake Wallenpaupack Improves After Best Management Practices and Outreach are Implemented to Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution" (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
- Wallenpaupack Area School District: Lake Wallenpaupack Office, PP&L Co. Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management Dist. F.X. Browne Inc. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
- "Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District". Wallenpaupack Watershed.org. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
- "U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)". Retrieved September 10, 2019.
- United States Forest Service: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid website
- "Wildlife Management Units". Pennsylvania Game Commission. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
- "Whitetail Deer Harvest Data and Maps". Pennsylvania Game Commission. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
- Giant, M. (January 5, 2006) "Booze Cruise - the Office TV Show - Booze Cruise - the Office Recaps, the Office Reviews, the Office Episodes | TWoP". Archived from the original on August 29, 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-16. Television Without Pity, Retrieved June 17, 2008
- "Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts". Cove Haven, Lakeville, PA. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
- "Fever Dolls". Burlington, Vermont. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
External links
Pocono Mountains | |
---|---|
Camps | |
Lakes | |
Parks | |
Ski Resorts |