Ulster Heights Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ulster Heights Lake Dam in Ulster, New York, stands as a vital infrastructure for recreational purposes, completed in 1969 with a primary dam type of Earth.


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Summary

The dam has a height of 20 feet and a length of 310 feet, holding a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet with a surface area of 51 acres. Situated on Botsford Brook, the dam's spillway is controlled, with a width of 135 feet, ensuring proper water management in the area.

Owned privately, the Ulster Heights Lake Dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite being rated as having low hazard potential and with a condition assessment of 'Not Rated', the dam's risk assessment is classified as 'Very High (1)'. With a drainage area of 8.74 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and supporting the local ecosystem.

In the event of emergencies, it is important to note that the dam's emergency action plan status, contact information, and risk management measures remain unspecified. However, the Ulster Heights Lake Dam continues to serve as a critical water resource for the surrounding community and a key landmark in the region's environmental landscape.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

310

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BOTSFORD BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

51

Drainage Area

8.74

Nid Storage

600

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.