Skaneateles Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Skaneateles Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1902 and is 124 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 | 22 ft (taller than 63.7% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 160.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 141.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8,664 acres |
| Drainage Area | 72 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 860 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1902 (124 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00414 |
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
CITY OF SYRACUSE
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Owasco Lake Outlet Dam
Cayuga, NY
Significant Hazard 14 ftSkaneateles Creek Dam
Onondaga, NY
Low Hazard 22 ftOtisco Lake Dam
Onondaga, NY
High Hazard 18 ftMill Street Dam
Cayuga, NY
High Hazard 25 ftLarry Halloran Pond Dam
Onondaga, NY
Low Hazard 22 ftNorth Division Street Dam
Cayuga, NY
Significant Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Skaneateles Lake Dam?
Skaneateles 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 Skaneateles Lake Dam?
Skaneateles Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF SYRACUSE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Skaneateles Lake Dam built?
Skaneateles Lake Dam was completed in 1902, making it 124 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 Skaneateles Lake Dam?
Skaneateles 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 Skaneateles Lake Dam?
Skaneateles Lake Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Skaneateles Lake Dam last inspected?
Skaneateles Lake Dam was last inspected on July 31, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.