Howlands Lake Dam

KISCO RIVER· Westchester, New York· Built 1895· Stone· 18 ft tall

Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Howlands Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	18 ft (taller than 49.5% in NY)
Dam Length	67 ft
Dam Type	Stone
Max Storage	184 acre-ft
Normal Storage	132 acre-ft

Surface Area	26 acres
Max Discharge	50 cfs
Year Completed	1895 (131 years old)
NID ID	NY00973

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: Yes

Last Inspection: June 1, 2018

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

BEDFORD LAKE PARK ASSOCIATION INC

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Howlands Lake Dam?

Howlands Lake 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 Howlands Lake Dam?

Howlands Lake Dam is owned by BEDFORD LAKE PARK ASSOCIATION INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Howlands Lake Dam built?

Howlands Lake Dam was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Howlands Lake Dam?

Howlands 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 Howlands Lake Dam?

Howlands Lake Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Howlands Lake Dam last inspected?

Howlands Lake Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2018. 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.