Cedar Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wakely Dam Lake Kora Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Cedar Lake Dam, located in Indian Lake, New York, is a state-owned structure on the Cedar River that was completed in 1904 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 100 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 1195 acre-feet and a surface area of 358 acres. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam is categorized as high risk due to its condition assessment being labeled as "Not Rated" and its last inspection date dating back to September 1970.
The Cedar Lake Dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safety. Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with a spillway width of 16 feet to manage any potential overflow events. The risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps for the dam are currently not available, highlighting the need for updated safety protocols and assessments to mitigate any potential risks associated with the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cedar Lake Dam serves as an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management and risk assessment. With its historical significance dating back over a century and its role in providing recreational opportunities, the dam presents a unique blend of natural beauty and engineering prowess. As discussions around climate change and water resource management intensify, ongoing evaluations and improvements to the safety and regulatory measures of Cedar Lake Dam will be crucial to ensuring the continued protection of the surrounding environment and community.
Year Completed |
1904 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
CEDAR RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
358 |
Nid Storage |
1195 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Buck Creek
|
1cfs |
Buck Creek Near Inlet Ny
|
0cfs |
Black River Near Boonville Ny
|
322cfs |
Independence River At Donnattsburg Ny
|
214cfs |
Raquette River At Piercefield Ny
|
1080cfs |
Beaver River At Croghan Ny
|
764cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cedar Lakes Dam campsite
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Third Cedar Lake campsite
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South Lake campsite
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Cedar River Flow campsite
|
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Lewey Lake - DEC
|
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Cedar River Campsite
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Cedar Lake Dam