Pelton Pond Dam

CANOPUS CREEK· Putnam, New York· Built 1939· Earth· 41 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Pelton Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 41 ft (taller than 89% in NY)
Dam Length260 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage104 acre-ft
Normal Storage92 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area33 sq mi
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDNY01148

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 3, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NYS PARKS & RECREATION TACONIC

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pelton Pond Dam?

Pelton Pond 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 Pelton Pond Dam?

Pelton Pond Dam is owned by NYS PARKS & RECREATION TACONIC (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pelton Pond Dam built?

Pelton Pond Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Pelton Pond Dam?

Pelton Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pelton Pond Dam?

Pelton Pond Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Pelton Pond Dam last inspected?

Pelton Pond Dam was last inspected on December 3, 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.