Lake Te-Ata Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Te-Ata Dam, located in Orange County, New York, was completed in 1927 and serves as a vital water resource for the region.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 60 feet and with a length of 460 feet, primarily caters to recreational activities with a storage capacity of 284 acre-feet. Despite its valuable role in providing water for recreational purposes, the dam is categorized as having a significant hazard potential and is currently assessed as being in poor condition.

Maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Lake Te-Ata Dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's spillway, which is of the uncontrolled type with a width of 34 feet, helps manage water discharge during periods of high flow. However, with a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding communities and ecosystem from potential hazards posed by the dam.

As an integral part of the local landscape, Lake Te-Ata Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. With a focus on recreational use and water storage, the dam plays a critical role in the region's water infrastructure. However, its condition assessment highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential water resource for years to come.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

TR-POPOLOPEN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

30

Drainage Area

5.05

Nid Storage

284

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

60
       
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.