Petrillo Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in North Branch, New York, the Petrillo Lake Dam stands as a recreational marvel, completed in 1952 to provide both locals and visitors with opportunities for leisure and enjoyment.


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Summary

As a privately owned structure, this earth-type dam spans 480 feet in length and reaches a height of 17 feet, creating a serene lake covering 9 acres with a maximum storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a picturesque setting for activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Petrillo Lake Dam is regularly inspected for safety and compliance, with state jurisdiction, permitting, and enforcement in place to ensure proper maintenance and operation. Despite being categorized with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been formally rated for its condition, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a controlled maximum discharge of 358 cubic feet per second, Petrillo Lake Dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem and water resource management in Sullivan County.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the significance of structures like Petrillo Lake Dam in maintaining recreational opportunities while also safeguarding against potential hazards becomes increasingly apparent. With its serene beauty and functional purpose, this dam exemplifies the delicate balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

BUCK BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

68

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.