Summit Lake Dam

TR-WEST KILL· Schoharie, New York· Built 1920· Earth· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Summit Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 Length80 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage233 acre-ft
Normal Storage233 acre-ft
Surface Area45 acres
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDNY01088

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: No
Last Inspection: September 17, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Gregory Tobin;SCHOHARIE COUNTY DPW

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Summit Lake Dam?

Summit Lake 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 Summit Lake Dam?

Summit Lake Dam is owned by Gregory Tobin;SCHOHARIE COUNTY DPW (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Summit Lake Dam built?

Summit Lake Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Summit Lake Dam?

Summit 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 Summit Lake Dam?

Summit Lake 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 Summit Lake Dam last inspected?

Summit Lake Dam was last inspected on September 17, 2019. 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.