Lester Thompson Wildlife Dam A & B Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lester Thompson Wildlife Dam A & B, located in Gilbertsville, New York, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1968 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on TR-BUTTERNUT CREEK, this dam has a height of 9 feet and a length of 900 feet, with a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. Despite a low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Owned by an unspecified private entity, the dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a spillway width of 26 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 117 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and supporting recreational activities for local residents and visitors. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its risk management measures and emergency action plans are yet to be assessed and updated to meet safety guidelines.

Despite its low hazard potential, Lester Thompson Wildlife Dam A & B serves as a vital structure for water resource management and recreational purposes in Otsego County, New York. With a moderate risk assessment rating, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure its continued safety and functionality. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, it is important to stay informed on the status of this dam and advocate for necessary risk management measures to protect both the environment and the community.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TR-BUTTERNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.