Larchwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Larchwood Lake Dam, located in Butts Corners, New York, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this 36-foot earth dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 1158 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 57 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-WHARTON CREEK and is regulated by the NYS DEC, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

With a high hazard potential, Larchwood Lake Dam is classified as satisfactory in its condition assessment as of January 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 118 feet and has a drainage area of 1.22 square miles. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not undergone any major modifications in recent years, with a last inspection conducted in November 2020. The dam's emergency action plan is not specified in the data, highlighting a potential area for improvement in risk management and preparedness.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Larchwood Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and management. The dam's location in Otsego County, New York, along with its association with the Baltimore District of the USACE, adds to its significance in the realm of water resource engineering. While the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, its high hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring, inspection, and risk assessment to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-WHARTON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

57

Drainage Area

1.22

Nid Storage

1158

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.