Paterno Dam

NONE· Westchester, New York· Built 1950· Earth· 25 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Paterno Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 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	25 ft (taller than 69.7% in NY)
Dam Length	400 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	53 acre-ft
Normal Storage	35 acre-ft

Surface Area	7 acres
Drainage Area	0 sq mi
Max Discharge	225 cfs
Year Completed	1950 (76 years old)
NID ID	NY00101

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: April 26, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Daniel Sharfman

Private

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Wilshire Pond Dam

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F W Perry Dam

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Converse Lake Dam

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Cross Pond Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Paterno Dam?

Paterno 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 Paterno Dam?

Paterno Dam is owned by Daniel Sharfman (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Paterno Dam built?

Paterno Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Paterno Dam?

Paterno 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 Paterno Dam?

Paterno Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Paterno Dam last inspected?

Paterno Dam was last inspected on April 26, 2019. 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.