Burden Lake Dam

TR-WYNANTSKILL· Rensselaer, New York· Built 1916· Earth· 24 ft tall

Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Burden Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1916 and is 110 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	24 ft (taller than 68.1% in NY)
Dam Length	365 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	7.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage	3.6K acre-ft

Surface Area	369 acres
Drainage Area	4 sq mi
Year Completed	1916 (110 years old)
NID ID	NY00275

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No

Last Inspection: June 13, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Burden Lake Preservation Corporation;Daniel L. Alger;Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Liane Densmore;RENSSELAER COUNTY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Faith Mills Lower Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Significant Hazard 18 ft

Kane Dam

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Significant Hazard 25 ft

Glass Lake Dam

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Significant Hazard 18 ft

Hastings Power Dam

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Significant Hazard 22 ft

Smith Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 12 ft

Nassau Lake Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Wager Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Low Hazard 19 ft

Ida Lake Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Low Hazard 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Burden Lake Dam?

Burden Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Burden Lake Dam?

Burden Lake Dam is owned by Burden Lake Preservation Corporation;Daniel L. Alger;Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Liane Densmore;RENSSELAER COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Burden Lake Dam built?

Burden Lake 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 Burden Lake Dam?

Burden Lake 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 Burden Lake Dam?

Burden Lake Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Burden Lake Dam last inspected?

Burden Lake Dam was last inspected on June 13, 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.