Lime Lake Outlet Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Lime Lake Outlet Dam in Cattaraugus, New York, stands as a significant structure with a history dating back to its completion in 1850.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 12 feet and a length of 200 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 616 acre-feet and a surface area of 154 acres. The dam, located in Lime Lake, is under state regulation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and undergoes regular inspections.

Despite being uncontrolled, the dam's spillway width of 2 feet ensures proper water flow management. With a significant hazard potential, the Lime Lake Outlet Dam is classified as having a moderate risk level. Emergency action plans are in place, with the last revision in December 2018. While currently rated as "Not Rated" for condition assessment, the dam's consistent inspection frequency of every 4 years helps to mitigate any potential risks associated with its structural integrity. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Lime Lake Outlet Dam is an essential element in the region's water management and recreational activities, showcasing the intersection of environmental conservation and public safety.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

LIME LAKE OUTLET

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

154

Nid Storage

616

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.