Black Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wasserlauf Dam Lake Superior Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Black Lake Dam, located in Sullivan, New York, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along Black Lake Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1917, this masonry dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 80 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 850 acre-feet, the dam primarily functions to mitigate flooding in the area and has a spillway width of 50 feet for controlled water release. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a very high risk level, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Managed by a private owner, Black Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), which regulates, permits, inspects, and enforces safety measures for the dam. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, highlighting the need for further evaluation to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. While it has not been designated as a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project, the dam's critical role in flood control underscores its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
In conclusion, Black Lake Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering expertise, with its enduring presence continuing to safeguard the surrounding area from potential flood risks. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the vital role that structures like Black Lake Dam play in protecting communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment are crucial to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of such infrastructure in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Length |
80 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
BLACK LAKE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
198 |
Nid Storage |
850 |
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.
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