Orchard Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Orchard Lake Dam, located in Grooville, New York, stands as a significant structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1870, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans a length of 116 feet, with a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Sprague Brook and serves as a controlled spillway with a width of 20 feet, capable of managing a maximum discharge of 480 cubic feet per second.

Maintained and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Orchard Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. Although the dam's condition is currently not rated, it undergoes inspections every four years to ensure its structural integrity. While the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified, the dam's risk assessment underscores the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and ensure public safety in the surrounding area.

Overall, Orchard Lake Dam stands as a vital recreational resource in Sullivan County, New York, offering a serene backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Its historical significance, coupled with its role in water resource management and flood control along Sprague Brook, highlights the importance of ongoing regulatory oversight and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and safeguard the surrounding community from potential risks associated with dam failure.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

116

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

SPRAGUE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

220

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.