Ashokan Dam

ESOPUS CREEK· Ulster, New York· Built 1916· Earth· 213 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Ashokan Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1916 and is 110 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	213 ft (taller than 99.9% in NY)
Dam Length	4,650 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	512.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage	392.5K acre-ft

Surface Area	7,923 acres
Drainage Area	256 sq mi
Max Discharge	209,700 cfs
Year Completed	1916 (110 years old)
NID ID	NY00041

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: October 22, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER

Local Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ashokan Dam?

Ashokan Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Ashokan Dam?

Ashokan Dam is owned by NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ashokan Dam built?

Ashokan Dam was completed in 1916, making it 110 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Ashokan Dam?

Ashokan Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Ashokan Dam?

Ashokan Dam has a dam height of 213 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Ashokan Dam last inspected?

Ashokan Dam was last inspected on October 22, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.