High Risk 🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control  ·  Pennsylvania

Susquehanna River Levee System PA

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK PROFILE  ·  PENNSYLVANIA

8 / 10
Risk Score
Facility Type
🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control
Primary Risk Radius
10
mile zone
Secondary Risk Radius
50
mile zone

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score8 / 10   High
Facility Type🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control
Operator / BranchUS Army Corps of Engineers
Host CountyLuzerne County PA
Nearest CityWashington DC
Primary Risk Radius10 miles
Secondary Risk Radius50 miles

// Strategic Significance

The Susquehanna River levee system protects Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley from catastrophic flooding. The 1972 Agnes flood was the deadliest natural disaster in Pennsylvania history killing 50 people in the Wyoming Valley and nearly destroying Wilkes-Barre when the levees were overtopped. The levees have been raised since Agnes but Irene 2011 and Lee 2011 both tested the system.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

Wilkes-Barre PA with 41,000 residents and the Wyoming Valley with 200,000 residents depend on the levee system. Agnes 1972 killed 50 people. Lee 2011 caused $1 billion in damage throughout the Susquehanna basin.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

I-81, US-11, Pennsylvania Route 309. Luzerne County Emergency Management coordinates Susquehanna River flood protocols maintaining detailed Agnes-era evacuation plans.

// Counties Within Risk Zone

// Cities Within Risk Zone