Neversink Reservoir Dam

NEVERSINK RIVER· Sullivan, New York· Built 1953· Earth· 190 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Neversink Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 190 ft (taller than 99.7% in NY)
Dam Length3,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage142.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage108.9K acre-ft
Surface Area1,472 acres
Drainage Area90 sq mi
Max Discharge120,000 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDNY00348

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Neversink Reservoir Dam?

Neversink Reservoir 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 Neversink Reservoir Dam?

Neversink Reservoir 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 Neversink Reservoir Dam built?

Neversink Reservoir 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 Neversink Reservoir Dam?

Neversink Reservoir 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 Neversink Reservoir Dam?

Neversink Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 190 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 Neversink Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Neversink Reservoir 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.