Owasco Lake Outlet Dam

OWASCO OUTLET· Cayuga, New York· Built 1972· Masonry· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Owasco Lake Outlet Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 33.5% in NY)
Dam Length258 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage64.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage17.7K acre-ft
Surface Area6,400 acres
Drainage Area207 sq mi
Max Discharge5,792 cfs
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
NID IDNY00776

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: December 3, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

CITY OF AUBURN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Owasco Lake Outlet Dam?

Owasco Lake Outlet 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 Owasco Lake Outlet Dam?

Owasco Lake Outlet Dam is owned by CITY OF AUBURN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Owasco Lake Outlet Dam built?

Owasco Lake Outlet Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Owasco Lake Outlet Dam?

Owasco Lake Outlet 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 Owasco Lake Outlet Dam?

Owasco Lake Outlet Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Owasco Lake Outlet Dam last inspected?

Owasco Lake Outlet Dam was last inspected on December 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.