Foster Lake Dam & Dike Reservoir Report
Nearby: Andover Dam Herr Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Foster Lake Dam & Dike in Scio, Allegany, New York, is a privately owned structure completed in 1967 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 445 feet, providing a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Vandermark Creek, it serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water recreation in the area.
Although classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is deemed moderate. The spillway, with a width of 60 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 148 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the last inspection took place in May 2009. The state regulatory agency, the NYS DEC, oversees the permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes for this dam, ensuring its compliance with safety standards.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts would be interested in the ecological impact of Foster Lake Dam & Dike on the surrounding area, given its location within a drainage area of 0.11 square miles. The dam's storage capacity, surface area of 25 acres, and proximity to Vandermark Creek contribute to its significance in managing water resources and supporting local biodiversity. As a privately owned structure with state regulation, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to sustain its recreational value and environmental integrity for future generations.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
445 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-VANDERMARK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
173 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Foster Lake Dam & Dike