Hemlock Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Hemlock Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 12 ft (taller than 23.2% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 3,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 41.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,054 acres |
| Drainage Area | 43 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,799 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00477 |
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
CITY OF ROCHESTER
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hemlock Lake Dam?
Hemlock 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 Hemlock Lake Dam?
Hemlock Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF ROCHESTER (Local Government). 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 1926, making it 100 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: Water Supply. 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 12 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 26, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.