Larchwood Lake Dam
Larchwood Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Otsego County, New York, built in 1969. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Larchwood Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Larchwood Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Larchwood Lake Home Owners Association (private). It impounds the Tr-wharton Creek near Butts Corners.
The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 260 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 57 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,158 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1969, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/02/2024.
At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Otsego |
| Nearest City | Butts Corners |
| River/Stream | Tr-wharton Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.55000, -75.16750 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Length | 260 ft |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,158 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,158 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 298 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | LARCHWOOD LAKE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/02/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00727 |
| Federal ID | NY00727 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |