Wilber Lake Dam

ONEONTA CREEK· Otsego, New York· Built 1935· Earth· 50 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wilber Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 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	50 ft (taller than 91.9% in NY)
Dam Length	550 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	625 acre-ft
Normal Storage	430 acre-ft

Surface Area	98 acres
Drainage Area	3 sq mi
Year Completed	1935 (91 years old)
NID ID	NY00346

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: November 17, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

CITY OF ONEONTA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Lower Reservoir Dam

Otsego, NY

Significant Hazard 20 ft

South Side Dam

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 10 ft

Colliersville

Otsego, NY

High Hazard 35 ft

Holbrook Pond Dam

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 20 ft

Gilbert Lake Dam

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 16 ft

Blanchard Recreational Dam & Dike

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 13 ft

Weerheim Dam

Otsego, NY

Low Hazard 16 ft

Larchwood Lake Dam

Otsego, NY

High Hazard 36 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wilber Lake Dam?

Wilber 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 Wilber Lake Dam?

Wilber Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF ONEONTA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wilber Lake Dam built?

Wilber Lake Dam was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Wilber Lake Dam?

Wilber 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 Wilber Lake Dam?

Wilber Lake Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Wilber Lake Dam last inspected?

Wilber Lake Dam was last inspected on November 17, 2020. 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.