Sterling Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Sterling Forest Lake Dam, also known as Blue Lake Dam or Eagle Valley Lake, is a private dam located in Eagle Valley, Orange County, New York.


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Summary

Completed in 1953, this concrete structure stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 320 feet in length. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a maximum storage capacity of 1380 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 1200 acre-feet.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Sterling Forest Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location on TR-Ringwood Creek and has a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 800 cfs to manage potential flood events effectively.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sterling Forest Lake Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human engineering and natural systems in managing water resources for recreation and water supply purposes. With its picturesque setting and strategic design, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-RINGWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

115

Drainage Area

2.7

Nid Storage

1380

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.