Lake Surprise Dam

BREAKNECK BROOK TR-HUDSON· Putnam, New York· Concrete· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Surprise Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 12.4% in NY)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage60 acre-ft
Normal Storage60 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
NID IDNY01183

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 15, 2012
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

SURPRISE LAKE CAMP

Private

Nearby Dams

Cold Spring Dam (Lower)

Putnam, NY

High Hazard 25 ft

Cold Spring Dam (Upper)

Putnam, NY

High Hazard 23 ft

Melzingah Dam

Dutchess, NY

High Hazard 51 ft

Mount Beacon Reservoir Dam

Dutchess, NY

High Hazard 35 ft

Lake Valhalla Dam

Putnam, NY

Significant Hazard 19 ft

Braendly Fishkill Dam

Dutchess, NY

Significant Hazard 18 ft

David Ulmar Pond Dam

Putnam, NY

Low Hazard 15 ft

Groveville

Dutchess, NY

High Hazard 37 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Surprise Dam?

Lake Surprise Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Surprise Dam?

Lake Surprise Dam is owned by SURPRISE LAKE CAMP (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Surprise Dam?

Lake Surprise 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 Surprise Dam?

Lake Surprise Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Surprise Dam last inspected?

Lake Surprise Dam was last inspected on August 15, 2012. 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.