Cold Spring Dam (Lower)
Key Takeaway
Cold Spring Dam (Lower) is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 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 | 25 ft (taller than 69.7% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 328 ft |
| Dam Type | Stone |
| Max Storage | 70 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 54 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 365 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00107 |
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
VILLAGE OF COLD SPRING
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Cold Spring Dam (Upper)
Putnam, NY
High Hazard 23 ftLake Surprise Dam
Putnam, NY
Low Hazard 10 ftLake Valhalla Dam
Putnam, NY
Significant Hazard 19 ftMount Beacon Reservoir Dam
Dutchess, NY
High Hazard 35 ftMelzingah Dam
Dutchess, NY
High Hazard 51 ftDavid Ulmar Pond Dam
Putnam, NY
Low Hazard 15 ftBraendly Fishkill Dam
Dutchess, NY
Significant Hazard 18 ftGroveville
Dutchess, NY
High Hazard 37 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cold Spring Dam (Lower)?
Cold Spring Dam (Lower) 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 Cold Spring Dam (Lower)?
Cold Spring Dam (Lower) is owned by VILLAGE OF COLD SPRING (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cold Spring Dam (Lower) built?
Cold Spring Dam (Lower) was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Cold Spring Dam (Lower)?
Cold Spring Dam (Lower) 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 Cold Spring Dam (Lower)?
Cold Spring Dam (Lower) has a dam height of 25 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 Cold Spring Dam (Lower) last inspected?
Cold Spring Dam (Lower) was last inspected on November 18, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.