White Birch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

White Birch Lake Dam, located in Broome, New York, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1949, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 380 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Susquehanna River, providing a surface area of 32 acres for outdoor activities and water-based recreation.

Managed by the NYS DEC, White Birch Lake Dam has a significant hazard potential and undergoes inspections every four years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 21 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 200 cubic feet per second. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, risk assessments classify its risk level as moderate, indicating a moderate potential for adverse impacts in case of failure. Overall, White Birch Lake Dam offers a scenic and enjoyable recreational area while also highlighting the importance of proper dam maintenance and management in ensuring public safety and environmental protection in the region.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-SUSQUEHANNA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Drainage Area

0.94

Nid Storage

270

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.