Otter Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Otter Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 8 ft (taller than 5.1% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 127 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 358 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 269 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 135 acres |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00804 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
NYS DEC
State Government
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Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Otter Lake Dam?
Otter 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 Otter Lake Dam?
Otter Lake Dam is owned by NYS DEC (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Otter Lake Dam built?
Otter Lake Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Otter Lake Dam?
Otter 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 Otter Lake Dam?
Otter Lake Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Otter Lake Dam last inspected?
Otter Lake Dam was last inspected on June 29, 2001. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.