Boyds Corner Dam

WEST BRANCH CROTON RIVER· Putnam, New York· Built 1872· Masonry· 78 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Boyds Corner Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1872 and is 154 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 78 ft (taller than 97% in NY)
Dam Length670 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage12.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage5.3K acre-ft
Surface Area297 acres
Drainage Area24 sq mi
Max Discharge6,200 cfs
Year Completed1872 (154 years old)
NID IDNY00066

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: April 23, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NYCDEP DAMS EAST OF THE HUDSON RIVER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Boyds Corner Dam?

Boyds Corner 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 Boyds Corner Dam?

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

When was Boyds Corner Dam built?

Boyds Corner Dam was completed in 1872, making it 154 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 Boyds Corner Dam?

Boyds Corner 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 Boyds Corner Dam?

Boyds Corner Dam has a dam height of 78 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 Boyds Corner Dam last inspected?

Boyds Corner Dam was last inspected on April 23, 2019. 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.