Nathaniel Cole Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Nathaniel Cole Park Dam, also known as Cole Park Recreation Lake, is a local government-owned structure located in Windsor, New York.


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Summary

Constructed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 46 feet and stretches 1590 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 935 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves recreational purposes, offering visitors a 55-acre surface area for activities such as boating and fishing.

Managed by the NYS DEC, Nathaniel Cole Park Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. With a spillway width of 140 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 395 cubic feet per second, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level. The Emergency Action Plan for the dam was last revised in January 2020, and the dam undergoes inspections every four years to assess its condition and mitigate any potential risks.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nathaniel Cole Park Dam provides an interesting case study of a locally owned recreational dam with state-regulated operations. The dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service showcase the importance of collaboration between federal and state agencies in managing water resources for public benefit. With its picturesque location along Still Creek in Broome County, New York, the dam serves as a vital recreational asset while also highlighting the need for proper risk assessment and emergency preparedness in dam management.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1590

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

STILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55

Drainage Area

4.42

Nid Storage

935

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

46
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.