Lake Welch Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Welch Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 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 | 32 ft (taller than 81.5% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 788 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 4.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 182 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00283 |
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
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 46 ftSecond Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 32 ftThird Reservoir Spillway and Dam
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Significant Hazard 25 ftBreakneck Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 20 ftLake Askoti Dam
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Low Hazard 28 ftLake Tiorati Dam
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High Hazard 21 ftLake Skannatati Dams A B & C
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Low Hazard 24 ftJohn Patrick Pond Dam
Rockland, NY
Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Welch Dam?
Lake Welch 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 Welch Dam?
Lake Welch 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 Welch Dam built?
Lake Welch Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Welch Dam?
Lake Welch 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 Welch Dam?
Lake Welch Dam has a dam height of 32 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 Welch Dam last inspected?
Lake Welch Dam was last inspected on June 25, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.