Allen Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clarke Pond Dam Bed Bug Hill Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Allen Lake Dam, located in Cooperstown, New York, serves as a vital water supply source in the region.
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Summary
Built in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 215 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to store and regulate water from the TR-OTSEGO LAKE tributary, ensuring a constant water supply for surrounding communities.
Despite its age, Allen Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 3 feet, ensuring proper water discharge during heavy precipitation events. While the last inspection was conducted in 1994, the dam remains under state jurisdiction and is subject to regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the NYS DEC to ensure its safety and functionality.
With its strategic location and critical role in water management, Allen Lake Dam provides a fascinating case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As part of the larger Otsego, New York water system, this dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining infrastructure for sustainable water supply and management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OTSEGO LAKE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
51 |
Nid Storage |
215 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Allen Lake Dam