Nancy Lawson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Nancy Lawson Dam, located in Clarksville, New York, was completed in 1996 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the community.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a length of 168 feet, and has a storage capacity of 107.5 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 7.6 acres for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Nancy Lawson Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for conditions, the dam is classified as having a moderate risk level (3). The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 44 feet, providing necessary water release during high flow events.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in conservation efforts and sustainable management of dams, Nancy Lawson Dam stands as a testament to responsible stewardship and the importance of recreational water infrastructure in enhancing community well-being and environmental resilience. The dam's presence along the TR-T6-ONESQUETHAW river/stream underscores the interconnectedness of water resources and outdoor recreation, highlighting the significance of safeguarding such structures for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

168

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-T6-ONESQUETHAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.6

Nid Storage

107.5

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.