Cranberry Lake
Key Takeaway
Cranberry Lake is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 19 ft (taller than 53.6% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 345 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 57.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 57.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,040 acres |
| Drainage Area | 144 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,295 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00397 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Oswegatchie River-Cranberry Reservoir Commission
Local Government
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Low Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cranberry Lake?
Cranberry Lake is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Cranberry Lake?
Cranberry Lake is owned by Oswegatchie River-Cranberry Reservoir Commission (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cranberry Lake built?
Cranberry Lake was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Cranberry Lake?
Cranberry Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cranberry Lake?
Cranberry Lake has a dam height of 19 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 Cranberry Lake last inspected?
Cranberry Lake was last inspected on August 4, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.