Otsego Lake Dam

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER· Otsego, New York· Built 1900· Buttress· 11 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Otsego Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 19.5% in NY)
Dam Length70 ft
Dam TypeButtress
Max Storage345.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage341.1K acre-ft
Surface Area4,225 acres
Drainage Area68 sq mi
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDNY00361

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 12, 2011
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Moe Pond Dam

Otsego, NY

Significant Hazard 19 ft

Mt. Miles INC. Dam

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 23 ft

Goey Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 7 ft

Bed Bug Hill Dam

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 21 ft

Hartwick Reservoir Dam

Otsego, NY

Significant Hazard 23 ft

Clarke Pond Dam

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 14 ft

Allen Lake Dam

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 10 ft

Belvedere Lake Dam

Otsego, NY

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Otsego Lake Dam?

Otsego Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Otsego Lake Dam?

Otsego Lake Dam is owned by VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Otsego Lake Dam built?

Otsego Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Otsego Lake Dam?

Otsego Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Otsego Lake Dam?

Otsego Lake Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Otsego Lake Dam last inspected?

Otsego Lake Dam was last inspected on October 12, 2011. 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.