Lake Carmel Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Carmel Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 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 | 25 ft (taller than 69.7% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 475 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 240 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,830 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00100 |
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
TOWN OF KENT
Local Government
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Low Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Carmel Dam?
Lake Carmel 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 Lake Carmel Dam?
Lake Carmel Dam is owned by TOWN OF KENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Carmel Dam built?
Lake Carmel Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Lake Carmel Dam?
Lake Carmel 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 Lake Carmel Dam?
Lake Carmel Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Lake Carmel Dam last inspected?
Lake Carmel Dam was last inspected on November 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.