Morgan Lake Dam

TR-FALL KILL· Dutchess, New York· Built 1868· Earth· 20 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Morgan Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1868 and is 158 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	277 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	91 acre-ft
Normal Storage	56 acre-ft

Surface Area	8 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Max Discharge	60 cfs
Year Completed	1868 (158 years old)
NID ID	NY00787

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: November 17, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

CITY OF POUGHKEEPSIE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

College Hill Park Reservoir Dam

Dutchess, NY

Significant Hazard 36 ft

Fall Kill Dam

Dutchess, NY

Significant Hazard 21 ft

Bridgeview Plaza Dam

Ulster, NY

Significant Hazard 5 ft

Highland Water Dist Res Dam & Dike

Ulster, NY

Significant Hazard 18 ft

Highland Lower Reservoir Dam

Ulster, NY

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Hill and Hollow Country Estates Dam

Dutchess, NY

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Macghee Dam

Dutchess, NY

Significant Hazard 10 ft

R M Weiss Dam

Dutchess, NY

Significant Hazard 23 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Morgan Lake Dam?

Morgan Lake 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 Morgan Lake Dam?

Morgan Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF POUGHKEEPSIE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Morgan Lake Dam built?

Morgan Lake Dam was completed in 1868, making it 158 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 Morgan Lake Dam?

Morgan 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 Morgan Lake Dam?

Morgan Lake 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 Morgan Lake Dam last inspected?

Morgan Lake Dam was last inspected on November 17, 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.