Cape Pond Dam

BEER KILL· Ulster, New York· Built 1914· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Cape Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 56.3% in NY)
Dam Length612 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.4K acre-ft
Surface Area230 acres
Drainage Area19 sq mi
Max Discharge4,890 cfs
Year Completed1914 (112 years old)
NID IDNY00265

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: Yes
Last Inspection: January 11, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

CAPE POND INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cape Pond Dam?

Cape Pond 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 Cape Pond Dam?

Cape Pond Dam is owned by CAPE POND INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cape Pond Dam built?

Cape Pond Dam was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Cape Pond Dam?

Cape 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 Cape Pond Dam?

Cape Pond Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Cape Pond Dam last inspected?

Cape Pond Dam was last inspected on January 11, 2017. 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.