Honk Falls Dam
Key Takeaway
Honk Falls Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1898 and is 128 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 | 42 ft (taller than 89.4% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 294 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 251 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 41 acres |
| Drainage Area | 101 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 20,119 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1898 (128 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00073 |
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
NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER
Local Government
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Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Honk Falls Dam?
Honk Falls 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 Honk Falls Dam?
Honk Falls Dam is owned by NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Honk Falls Dam built?
Honk Falls Dam was completed in 1898, making it 128 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 Honk Falls Dam?
Honk Falls 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 Honk Falls Dam?
Honk Falls Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Honk Falls Dam last inspected?
Honk Falls Dam was last inspected on July 25, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.