Potake Lake Dam

TR-RAMAPO RIVER· Rockland, New York· Built 1800· Earth· 22 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Potake Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1800 and is 226 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	22 ft (taller than 63.7% in NY)
Dam Length	350 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage	948 acre-ft

Surface Area	93 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Year Completed	1800 (226 years old)
NID ID	NY00970

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: July 28, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

SUEZ WATER NEW YORK

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

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Tivoli Lake Dam

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High Hazard 29 ft

Shepherd Lake Dam

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Pine Grove Lake Dam

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High Hazard 12 ft

Sterling Forest Lake Dam

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Sallys Pond Dam

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High Hazard 15 ft

Cupsaw Lake Dam

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High Hazard 35 ft

Bear Swamp Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 14 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Potake Lake Dam?

Potake 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 Potake Lake Dam?

Potake Lake Dam is owned by SUEZ WATER NEW YORK (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Potake Lake Dam built?

Potake Lake Dam was completed in 1800, making it 226 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 Potake Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Potake Lake Dam?

Potake Lake Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Potake Lake Dam last inspected?

Potake Lake Dam was last inspected on July 28, 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.