Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike
Key Takeaway
Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1800 and is 226 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 | 40 ft (taller than 88.1% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 460 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 241 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,160 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1800 (226 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00081 |
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
CITY OF KINGSTON
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike?
Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike 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 Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike?
Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike is owned by CITY OF KINGSTON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike built?
Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike was completed in 1800, making it 226 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 Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike?
Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike 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 Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike?
Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike has a dam height of 40 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 Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike last inspected?
Cooper Lake Dam and West Dike was last inspected on April 7, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.