Otter Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Otter Lake Dam, located in Woodgate, New York, was completed in 1880 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the area.


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Summary

With a height of 8 feet and a length of 127 feet, the dam creates a surface area of 135 acres and a storage capacity of 358 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities along the Otter Lake Outlet.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have high risk due to its age and condition assessment being marked as "Not Rated." The dam does not have a spillway, but its risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness are not specified in the data, leaving questions about the overall preparedness in case of a potential emergency.

In recent years, Otter Lake Dam has not undergone significant modifications or improvements, and its risk profile remains a concern for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With the potential for increased extreme weather events and changing climate patterns, the importance of maintaining and updating infrastructure like the Otter Lake Dam becomes even more critical to ensure the safety and well-being of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

127

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

OTTER LAKE OUTLET

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

135

Nid Storage

358

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.