Black River Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Black River Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 42 ft (taller than 89.4% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 560 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,550 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00104 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
NYS PARKS, RECREATION & HISTORIC PRESERVATION
State Government
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Significant Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Black River Pond Dam?
Black River Pond 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 Black River Pond Dam?
Black River Pond Dam is owned by NYS PARKS, RECREATION & HISTORIC PRESERVATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black River Pond Dam built?
Black River Pond Dam was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Black River Pond Dam?
Black River Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Black River Pond Dam?
Black River Pond Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Black River Pond Dam last inspected?
Black River Pond Dam was last inspected on March 4, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.