Merriman Dam

ROUNDOUT CREEK· Ulster, New York· Built 1945· Earth· 195 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Merriman Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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	195 ft (taller than 99.8% in NY)
Dam Length	2,400 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	202.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage	153.6K acre-ft

Surface Area	2,099 acres
Drainage Area	95 sq mi
Max Discharge	180,000 cfs
Year Completed	1945 (81 years old)
NID ID	NY00074

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: September 29, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Cape Pond Dam

Ulster, NY

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Ulster Heights Lake Dam

Ulster, NY

Low Hazard 20 ft

Lyon Lodge Dam

Ulster, NY

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Honk Falls Dam

Ulster, NY

High Hazard 42 ft

Thunder View Farms Dam

Sullivan, NY

Low Hazard 19 ft

Old Brodhead Lake Dam

Sullivan, NY

Low Hazard 33 ft

Vrasidas Dam

Ulster, NY

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Keejo Lake Dam

Ulster, NY

Low Hazard 16 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Merriman Dam?

Merriman 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 Merriman Dam?

Merriman Dam is owned by NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Merriman Dam built?

Merriman Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Merriman Dam?

Merriman Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Merriman Dam?

Merriman Dam has a dam height of 195 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 Merriman Dam last inspected?

Merriman Dam was last inspected on September 29, 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.