Treman Lake Dam

BUTTERMILK CREEK· Tompkins, New York· Built 1930· Arch· 36 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Treman Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 85.3% in NY)
Dam Length85 ft
Dam TypeArch
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage300 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDNY01522

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: November 26, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NYS PARKS & RECREATION FINGER LAKES

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Treman Lake Dam?

Treman 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 Treman Lake Dam?

Treman Lake Dam is owned by NYS PARKS & RECREATION FINGER LAKES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Treman Lake Dam built?

Treman Lake Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Treman Lake Dam?

Treman 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 Treman Lake Dam?

Treman Lake Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Treman Lake Dam last inspected?

Treman Lake Dam was last inspected on November 26, 2018. 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.