Helderberg Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Helderberg Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1944 and is 82 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 | 35 ft (taller than 83.6% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 330 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 172 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 27 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1944 (82 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00276 |
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
HELDERBERG LAKE ASSOCIATION
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Helderberg Lake Dam?
Helderberg 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 Helderberg Lake Dam?
Helderberg Lake Dam is owned by HELDERBERG LAKE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Helderberg Lake Dam built?
Helderberg Lake Dam was completed in 1944, making it 82 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 Helderberg Lake Dam?
Helderberg Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Helderberg Lake Dam?
Helderberg Lake Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Helderberg Lake Dam last inspected?
Helderberg Lake Dam was last inspected on April 17, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.