Oquaga Creek State Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Oquaga Creek State Park Dam, located in North Sanford, New York, is a state-owned earth dam constructed in 1976 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 54 feet and stretching 370 feet in length, this dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1,601 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 727 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Oquaga Creek and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Despite its recreational benefits, the Oquaga Creek State Park Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its deteriorating condition, with a poor assessment reported in 2008. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in May 2020, and a risk assessment categorizing the dam's risk as moderate. Emergency action plans are in place, although it is unclear if they meet current guidelines. The dam's spillway, an uncontrolled type with a width of 85 feet, helps manage excess water flow during peak periods.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Oquaga Creek State Park Dam offers a fascinating case study of the intersection between infrastructure, recreation, and environmental conservation. As efforts are made to address the dam's deteriorating condition and mitigate potential risks, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and regulating our water resources to ensure the safety and sustainability of our communities in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

54

River Or Stream

OQUAGA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

66

Drainage Area

4.43

Nid Storage

1601

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

54
       
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.