Lake Kanawauke Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Kanawauke Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 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 | 20 ft (taller than 56.3% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 294 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 186 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00058 |
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
NYSOPRHP - PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION
State Government
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Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Kanawauke Dam?
Lake Kanawauke 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 Kanawauke Dam?
Lake Kanawauke Dam is owned by NYSOPRHP - PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Kanawauke Dam built?
Lake Kanawauke Dam was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Kanawauke Dam?
Lake Kanawauke 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 Kanawauke Dam?
Lake Kanawauke Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Kanawauke Dam last inspected?
Lake Kanawauke Dam was last inspected on July 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.