Belvedere Lake Dam

TR-CHERRY VALLEY CREEK· Otsego, New York· Built 1900· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Belvedere Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 56.3% in NY)
Dam Length220 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage210 acre-ft
Normal Storage185 acre-ft
Surface Area26 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge160 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDNY01270

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 21, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

BELVEDERE ENTERPRISES INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Belvedere Lake Dam?

Belvedere Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Belvedere Lake Dam?

Belvedere Lake Dam is owned by BELVEDERE ENTERPRISES INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Belvedere Lake Dam built?

Belvedere Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Belvedere Lake Dam?

Belvedere Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Belvedere Lake Dam?

Belvedere Lake Dam has a dam height of 20 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Belvedere Lake Dam last inspected?

Belvedere Lake Dam was last inspected on February 21, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.