Kirk Lake Dam

TR-MUSCOOT RIVER· Putnam, New York· Built 1871· Masonry· 28 ft tall

Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Kirk Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1871 and is 155 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	28 ft (taller than 75.9% in NY)
Dam Length	225 ft
Dam Type	Masonry
Max Storage	1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage	1.7K acre-ft

Surface Area	124 acres
Drainage Area	3 sq mi
Max Discharge	3,650 cfs
Year Completed	1871 (155 years old)
NID ID	NY00682

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: March 12, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NYCDEP DAMS EAST OF THE HUDSON RIVER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Lake Mahopac Dam

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High Hazard 9 ft

Lake Macgregor Dam

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Significant Hazard 38 ft

Upper Teakettle Spout Lake Dam

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Lake Casse Dam

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Lake Lincolndale Dam

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High Hazard 22 ft

Amawalk Lake North Dam

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Low Hazard 11 ft

Carmel Auxiliary Dike

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High Hazard 64 ft

Barrett Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kirk Lake Dam?

Kirk 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 Kirk Lake Dam?

Kirk Lake Dam is owned by NYCDEP DAMS EAST OF THE HUDSON RIVER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kirk Lake Dam built?

Kirk Lake Dam was completed in 1871, making it 155 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 Kirk Lake Dam?

Kirk 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 Kirk Lake Dam?

Kirk Lake Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Kirk Lake Dam last inspected?

Kirk Lake Dam was last inspected on March 12, 2020. 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.