Horseshoe Lake Dam

BIGELOW CREEK· Genesee, New York· Built 1953· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Horseshoe Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 56.3% in NY)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage135 acre-ft
Normal Storage72 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge10 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDNY00877

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: Yes
Last Inspection: March 3, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

HORSESHOE LAKE CORPORATION

Private

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Kistner Settlement Pond Dam

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Byron Pond Dam

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Indian Falls Lake Dam

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Oatka Creek Dam

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Oatka Creek Dam

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U S Gypsum Reservoir Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Horseshoe Lake Dam?

Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake Dam?

Horseshoe Lake Dam is owned by HORSESHOE LAKE CORPORATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Horseshoe Lake Dam built?

Horseshoe Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Horseshoe Lake Dam?

Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake Dam?

Horseshoe Lake Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Horseshoe Lake Dam last inspected?

Horseshoe Lake Dam was last inspected on March 3, 2020. 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.