Lyon Lodge Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lyon Lodge Dam, located in Wawarsing, New York, is a private recreational dam built in 1925 on Lyon Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 12 feet and a length of 210 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 224 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the area. Despite its age, the dam is still in use and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring that it meets safety and environmental standards.

While Lyon Lodge Dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, it also plays a role in flood control with a maximum discharge capacity of 470 cubic feet per second. However, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a significant hazard potential. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last inspection taking place in July 2019, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the dam structure.

With its picturesque location and historical significance, Lyon Lodge Dam serves as a vital water resource for the region while also providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. As climate change brings new challenges to water management, it is crucial to prioritize the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Lyon Lodge to ensure their continued safety and functionality in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

LYON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Drainage Area

2.2

Nid Storage

224

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.