Fern Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Fern Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 11 ft (taller than 19.5% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 125 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 422 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00008 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
TOWN OF BLACK BROOK
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Black Brook
Clinton, NY
Low Hazard 31 ftTaylor Pond Dam
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High Hazard 31 ftDoyle Wildlife Pond Dam
Essex, NY
Low Hazard 20 ftDaniels Dam
Essex, NY
Low Hazard 14 ftWilmington Dam
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Significant Hazard 16 ftHigh Falls
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High Hazard 63 ftDavis Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 22 ftUnion Falls
Clinton, NY
High Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fern Lake Dam?
Fern 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 Fern Lake Dam?
Fern Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF BLACK BROOK (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fern Lake Dam built?
Fern Lake Dam was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Fern Lake Dam?
Fern Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fern Lake Dam?
Fern Lake Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Fern Lake Dam last inspected?
Fern Lake Dam was last inspected on August 15, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.