Hemlock Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hemlock Lake Dam, located in Livingston, New York, is a vital water supply structure owned by the local government.


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Summary

Completed in 1926, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 3200 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 41,101 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to provide water supply, with a normal storage capacity of 22,356 acre-feet and a drainage area of 43.13 square miles.

Despite its age, Hemlock Lake Dam is in satisfactory condition, as assessed in December 2020. The dam has a high hazard potential due to its location on Springwater Creek, but it has a moderate risk level. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one occurring in June 2020, and emergency action plans are in place to ensure public safety in case of a breach. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 64 feet, and it has a moderate discharge capacity of 10,799 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and engineering prowess of Hemlock Lake Dam, which continues to serve as a crucial water supply infrastructure in New York. With its impressive storage capacity and careful maintenance, this dam plays a key role in ensuring water security for the surrounding communities. As climate change poses new challenges to water management, the safety and resilience of structures like Hemlock Lake Dam are more important than ever in safeguarding our precious water resources.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

3200

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

SPRINGWATER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2054

Drainage Area

43.13

Nid Storage

41101

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

12
       
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.