Lake Adirondack Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Lake Adirondack Dam, located in Indian Lake, New York, is a vital recreational resource in Hamilton County.


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Summary

Built in 1910, this earth dam stands at 18 feet tall and spans 817 feet, creating a storage capacity of 2045 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 163 acres for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Despite its importance for the community, Lake Adirondack Dam has a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition. The last inspection in November 2020 revealed the need for improvements to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. The dam's spillway, with a width of 99 feet, is uncontrolled, adding to the potential risks associated with the structure.

With a drainage area of 1.04 square miles and a maximum discharge of 863 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in Carroll Brook. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential for regulatory agencies like the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to enforce regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of Lake Adirondack Dam.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

817

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

CARROLL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

163

Drainage Area

1.04

Nid Storage

2045

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.