Sterling Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sterling Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 37.1% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 288 acres |
| Max Discharge | 133 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
| NID ID | NY01263 |
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
NYSOPRHP - PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION
State Government
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High Hazard 15 ftIndian Kill Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 23 ftShepherd Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 18 ftLower Wee-Wah Lake Dam
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High Hazard 30 ftPotake Lake Dam
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High Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sterling Lake Dam?
Sterling 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 Sterling Lake Dam?
Sterling Lake Dam is owned by NYSOPRHP - PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sterling Lake Dam built?
Sterling Lake Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Sterling Lake Dam?
Sterling 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 Sterling Lake Dam?
Sterling Lake Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Sterling Lake Dam last inspected?
Sterling Lake Dam was last inspected on July 27, 2009. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.