Dam At West End Of Goodnow Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Goodnow Flowage Dam Arbutus Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
The Dam at the West End of Goodnow Lake, also known as Shadow Lake, is a private-owned structure located in Essex, New York.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a height of 20 feet with a length of 300 feet. It has a storage capacity of 1333 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 200 acres. The dam is situated on the West Branch Goodnow River and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC).
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. The condition of the dam is not rated, and the last inspection took place in October 2009. The dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers and has not been modified in recent years. While it lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, the dam remains a crucial structure for recreational activities in the area.
As a significant water resource in the region, the Dam at the West End of Goodnow Lake plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities and storing water for various purposes. With its controlled spillway and overall moderate risk assessment, this earth dam stands as a testament to responsible water management practices in the state of New York. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this structure to be an intriguing example of how private ownership can contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BRANCH GOODNOW RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
200 |
Nid Storage |
1333 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hudson River Near Newcomb Ny
|
119cfs |
Indian River Near Indian Lake Ny
|
306cfs |
Hudson River At North Creek Ny
|
579cfs |
Buck Creek
|
1cfs |
Buck Creek Near Inlet Ny
|
0cfs |
Raquette River At Piercefield Ny
|
835cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Lake Harris - DEC
|
||
Tirrell Pond tent site
|
||
Salmon River campsite (unofficial)
|
||
Lake Durant - DEC
|
||
Camps Baco & Che-Na-Wa
|
||
Cold River Campsite
|
Dam At West End Of Goodnow Lake
Indian Lake Near Indian Lake Ny