Cortlandt Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Cortlandt Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 37 ft (taller than 86.3% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 225 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 244 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 140 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00085 |
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
CONTINENTAL VILLAGE PARK DISTRICT;CONTINENTAL VILLAGE PARK DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Continental Village Dam
Putnam, NY
Significant HazardHollowbrook Dam
Westchester, NY
Significant Hazard 15 ftWestchester Lake Dam
Westchester, NY
High Hazard 10 ftHollowbrook Golf Club Pond #2 Dam
Westchester, NY
Low Hazard 11 ftLake Peekskill Dam
Putnam, NY
High Hazard 16 ftColt Estate Dam
Putnam, NY
Significant Hazard 20 ftBroccy Creek Dam
Westchester, NY
Low Hazard 7 ftFloradan Estates Dam
Putnam, NY
Significant Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cortlandt Lake Dam?
Cortlandt Lake 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 Cortlandt Lake Dam?
Cortlandt Lake Dam is owned by CONTINENTAL VILLAGE PARK DISTRICT;CONTINENTAL VILLAGE PARK DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cortlandt Lake Dam built?
Cortlandt Lake Dam was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Cortlandt Lake Dam?
Cortlandt 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 Cortlandt Lake Dam?
Cortlandt Lake Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Cortlandt Lake Dam last inspected?
Cortlandt Lake Dam was last inspected on November 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.