Lens Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Lens Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 23.2% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 165 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 576 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 384 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 120 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 805 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00733 |
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
NYS DEC DIVISION OF LANDS & FORESTS;NYS DEC DIVISION OF LANDS & FORESTS
State Government
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Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lens Lake Dam?
Lens 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 Lens Lake Dam?
Lens Lake Dam is owned by NYS DEC DIVISION OF LANDS & FORESTS;NYS DEC DIVISION OF LANDS & FORESTS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lens Lake Dam built?
Lens Lake Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Lens Lake Dam?
Lens Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lens Lake Dam?
Lens 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 Lens Lake Dam last inspected?
Lens Lake Dam was last inspected on May 31, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.