Owasco Lake Outlet Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Owasco Lake Outlet Dam, located in Auburn, New York, is a masonry dam completed in 1972 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

It has a height of 14 feet and a length of 258 feet, with a storage capacity of 64,233 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Owasco Outlet river with a drainage area of 207 square miles and a surface area of 6,400 acres.

The dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and undergoes regular state inspections. With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the dam is closely monitored for safety. The Emergency Action Plan for the dam was last revised in July 2019, and the dam is equipped with a controlled spillway with a width of 14 feet to manage potential flood events.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Owasco Lake Outlet Dam will find it to be a crucial structure for water supply and recreation in the region. The dam plays a vital role in managing water levels and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. Its design, construction, and operational aspects make it a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of water resource management and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

258

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

OWASCO OUTLET

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

6400

Drainage Area

207

Nid Storage

64233

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.