Galway Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Galway Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1982 and is 44 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 30 ft (taller than 78.3% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 458 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 564 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,340 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1982 (44 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00165 |
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
GALWAY LAKE CAMPERS ASSOCIATION
Private
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Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Galway Lake Dam?
Galway Lake Dam 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 Galway Lake Dam?
Galway Lake Dam is owned by GALWAY LAKE CAMPERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Galway Lake Dam built?
Galway Lake Dam was completed in 1982, making it 44 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 Galway Lake Dam?
Galway 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 Galway Lake Dam?
Galway Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Galway Lake Dam last inspected?
Galway Lake Dam was last inspected on January 5, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.