Bog River Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Located in St.


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Summary

Lawrence, New York, the Bog River Dam, also known as Lows Lower Dam, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering. Completed in 1904, this buttress dam has a height of 28 feet and a length of 239 feet, providing a storage capacity of up to 4,111 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, with a surface area of 218 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 1,799 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the Bog River Dam is regulated and inspected by state authorities. Despite its low hazard potential and a lack of formal condition assessment, the dam poses a very high risk, according to a rating of 1. Emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are not currently in place, highlighting the need for enhanced risk management strategies to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and recreational opportunities offered by the Bog River Dam. As a controlled spillway dam on the Bog River, this structure provides a vital recreational outlet while also posing challenges in terms of risk management and emergency preparedness. Its location within the picturesque landscape of New York's wilderness adds to its allure, making it a site of interest for those interested in the intersection of water resources, engineering, and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

239

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

BOG RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

218

Drainage Area

50.5

Nid Storage

4111

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.