Merriewold Lake Dam

SATTERLY CREEK· Orange, New York· Built 1953· Earth· 50 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Merriewold Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 50 ft (taller than 91.9% in NY)
Dam Length380 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage96 acre-ft
Normal Storage78 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge1,470 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDNY00572

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: December 10, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

VILLAGE OF SOUTH BLOOMING GROVE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Merriewold Lake Dam?

Merriewold 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 Merriewold Lake Dam?

Merriewold Lake Dam is owned by VILLAGE OF SOUTH BLOOMING GROVE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Merriewold Lake Dam built?

Merriewold Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Merriewold Lake Dam?

Merriewold Lake 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 Merriewold Lake Dam?

Merriewold Lake Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Merriewold Lake Dam last inspected?

Merriewold Lake Dam was last inspected on December 10, 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.