Spencers Lake Dam dam
Spencers Lake Dam
Spencers Lake Dam, located in Owego, New York, is a privately owned structure built in 1977 for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 30 feet and stretching 700 feet in length, this earthen dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 491 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 21 acres. Situated on the East Branch of Little Nanticoke Creek, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water-related recreation in Tioga County.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Spencers Lake Dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 30 feet, allows for the safe release of excess water and helps regulate the flow downstream. While the structure is state-regulated and regularly inspected, its risk level is rated as moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spencers Lake Dam represents a blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty. Its presence on the East Branch of Little Nanticoke Creek provides a glimpse into the delicate balance between water management, recreational enjoyment, and environmental stewardship. With its rich history, scenic surroundings, and potential for outdoor adventures, this dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of water resources and the need for sustainable practices in a changing climate.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Spencers Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Susquehanna River At Owego Ny | 5,890 cfs | → |
| Susquehanna River At Vestal Ny | 5,780 cfs | → |
| Wappasening Creek Near Windham Center | 39 cfs | → |
| Choconut Creek Near Choconut | 28 cfs | → |
| Susquehanna River Near Waverly Ny | 6,950 cfs | → |
| Chenango River Near Chenango Forks Ny | 2,330 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Spencers Lake Dam.
⚓ Boat launches
- Marshland Road Town Of Owego
- Hickories Park Parking Lot/Drive Town Of Owego
- Susquehanna River
- Old Vestal Road 2413, Vestal Town
- Cook's Pond
- Quaker Lake
Track Spencers Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Spencers Lake Dam
Where does the data for Spencers Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Spencers Lake Dam.