St Josephs Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
St Josephs Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 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 | 229 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 340 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 440 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1905 (121 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00324 |
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
Lake Joseph Homeowners Association;Lake Joseph Realty Co
Private
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Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of St Josephs Lake Dam?
St Josephs 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 St Josephs Lake Dam?
St Josephs Lake Dam is owned by Lake Joseph Homeowners Association;Lake Joseph Realty Co (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was St Josephs Lake Dam built?
St Josephs Lake Dam was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 St Josephs Lake Dam?
St Josephs 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 St Josephs Lake Dam?
St Josephs 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 St Josephs Lake Dam last inspected?
St Josephs Lake Dam was last inspected on December 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.