Otisco Lake Dam (Otisco Lake)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: Otisco Lake Dam
NID ID: NY00753
Longitude: -76.31306
Latitude: 42.90445
Map Section: Town of Marcellus
County: ONONDAGA
River: NINEMILE CREEK
State: NY
Nearest City: MARIETTA
Distance: 1 miles
Owner Name: ONONDAGA COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY (OCWA)
Owner Type: Public Utility
Private Dam? No
Purposes: Recreation
Year Completed: 1956
Dam Length: 310 feet
Dam Height: 18 feet
Maximum Discharge: 31345 cu ft/sec
Maximum Storage: 47890 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 26067 acre-feet
Surface Area: 2291 acres
Drainage Area: 39.15 square miles
Hazard Potential: High
Emergency Action Plan? Yes
Inspection Date: 2011-11-10
Inspection Frequency: 0
State Regulated Dam? Yes
State Regulating Agency: NYS DEC
Spillway Type: Controlled
Spillway Width: 0 feet
Source Agency:

Dam Safety For Boats

A large amount of water can be released from a dam without any warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam may be turned on automatically, resulting in a significant increase in the downstream flow of water in only a matter of seconds.

If there's a need to release water through the sluiceways (outlets at the base of the dam), this operation can also create a great swell of discharged water downstream.

During flood operations, any or all spillway gates across the width of a dam can be opened to release upstream flood water that needs to pass to the next downstream reservoir. Upstream or downstream, even the most experienced boater with the strongest motor is no match for this strong flow of water plunging over a spillway of a dam. Even if you're boating far downstream of a spilling dam, recirculating current can pull a powerful boat upstream toward plunging water that could shred any boat.

Some dams equipped with navigation locks create turbulent water as well. When vessels pass through, strong flow is released near the exhaust ports of the wing wall of the lock.

Warning Systems At Dams

To warn reservoir users of potential danger, warning devices are installed at many dams:




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