Dyken Pond Dam

POESTEN KILL· Rensselaer, New York· Built 1914· Stone· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Dyken 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 Length375 ft
Dam TypeStone
Max Storage3.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.0K acre-ft
Surface Area181 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge405 cfs
Year Completed1914 (112 years old)
NID IDNY00530

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: April 1, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

RENSSELAER COUNTY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Dyken Pond Dam?

Dyken 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 Dyken Pond Dam?

Dyken Pond Dam is owned by RENSSELAER COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Dyken Pond Dam built?

Dyken 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 Dyken Pond Dam?

Dyken 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 Dyken Pond Dam?

Dyken 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 Dyken Pond Dam last inspected?

Dyken Pond Dam was last inspected on April 1, 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.