Lake Vanare Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Lake Vanare Dam, located in Warren County, New York, is a local government-owned structure that has been serving primarily for recreational purposes since its completion in 1926.


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Summary

With a dam height of 8 feet and a length of 110 feet, the earth dam overlooks the picturesque NEOWE BROOK, offering a serene setting for visitors to enjoy water-based activities. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 122 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 91 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 30 acres and draining a 3-square mile watershed area.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Lake Vanare Dam poses a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway, with a width of 65 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for controlled releases in times of high water flows. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, regular state inspections and enforcement ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in 2014, indicating a proactive approach to emergency management and public safety.

Overall, Lake Vanare Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for the community of Lake Vanare, offering recreational opportunities and water resource management in a sustainable manner. As climate change impacts water resources, the dam's role in regulating water levels and mitigating flood risks becomes increasingly important, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

110

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

NEOWE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

122

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.