Otsego Lake Dam dam
Otsego Lake Dam
Otsego Lake Dam, located in Cooperstown, New York, is a vital structure managed by the local government for recreation and water supply purposes. Completed in 1900, this buttress dam stands at a height of 11 feet and spans 70 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 345,320 acre-feet. Situated on the Susquehanna River, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water levels and ensuring a steady supply for the surrounding area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Otsego Lake Dam is considered to have a high risk level, indicating the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam has not been rated for its condition, and the last inspection took place in October 2011. While there are no spillways present, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified in the data. With a drainage area of 68.34 square miles and a surface area of 4225 acres, Otsego Lake Dam serves as a key infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and protect.
As an integral structure within the water infrastructure of Otsego, New York, Otsego Lake Dam provides essential recreational opportunities while also supporting water supply needs for the community. With its historical significance dating back over a century, the dam's role in regulating water levels and storage capacity highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk assessment. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources, maintaining the integrity and safety of Otsego Lake Dam is crucial for safeguarding the local environment and residents who rely on its services.
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 Otsego Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Canajoharie Creek Nr Canajoharie Ny | 8 cfs | → |
| Otsquago Creek At Fort Plain Ny | 10 cfs | → |
| Steele Cr At Ilion Ny | 26 cfs | → |
| Mohawk River Near Little Falls Ny | 2,010 cfs | → |
| East Canada Creek At East Creek Ny | 29 cfs | → |
| West Branch Delaware River At Hobart Ny | 17 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Otsego Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Susquehanna River
- South Washington Street Herkimer
- Mohawk River
- Chittning Pond
- Mine Kill State Park Road Town Of Blenheim
Track Otsego 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 Otsego Lake Dam
Where does the data for Otsego 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 Low 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 Otsego Lake Dam.