Treman Lake Dam

Treman Lake Dam is a masonry dam located in Tompkins County, New York, built in 1930. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Treman Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Treman Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Nys Parks & Recreation Finger Lakes (state). It impounds the Buttermilk Creek near Ithaca.

The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 85 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11 square miles. Completed in 1930, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/24/2022.

At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew York
CountyTompkins
Nearest CityIthaca
River/StreamButtermilk Creek
Coordinates42.40028, -76.51333

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeMasonry
NID Height36 ft
Dam Height36 ft
Dam Length85 ft
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage300 acre-ft
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage300 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerNYS PARKS & RECREATION FINGER LAKES
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection10/24/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNY01522
Federal IDNY01522
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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