Hemlock Lake Dam

BUSH KILL· Sullivan, New York· Built 1890· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hemlock Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 74.7% in NY)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage536 acre-ft
Normal Storage460 acre-ft
Surface Area38 acres
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDNY00319

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: June 13, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

HARTWOOD CLUB

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hemlock Lake Dam?

Hemlock 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 Hemlock Lake Dam?

Hemlock Lake Dam is owned by HARTWOOD CLUB (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hemlock Lake Dam built?

Hemlock Lake Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Hemlock Lake Dam?

Hemlock 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 Hemlock Lake Dam?

Hemlock Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Hemlock Lake Dam last inspected?

Hemlock Lake Dam was last inspected on June 13, 2017. 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.