Nuclear Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Nuclear Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 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 | 24 ft (taller than 68.1% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 160 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 85 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1994 |
| NID ID | NY00871 |
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
DOI NPS
Federal Government
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What is the hazard classification of Nuclear Lake Dam?
Nuclear 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 Nuclear Lake Dam?
Nuclear Lake Dam is owned by DOI NPS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Nuclear Lake Dam built?
Nuclear Lake Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Nuclear Lake Dam?
Nuclear 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 Nuclear Lake Dam?
Nuclear Lake Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Nuclear Lake Dam last inspected?
Nuclear Lake Dam was last inspected on June 6, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.