Rensselaer Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Rensselaer Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 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 | 30 ft (taller than 78.3% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 1,250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 472 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 367 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 670 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
| NID ID | NY01334 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
ALBANY WATER BOARD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
West Albany Storm Retention Basin A Dam
Albany, NY
Significant Hazard 21 ftWest Albany Storm Retention Basin B Dam
Albany, NY
Significant Hazard 9 ftWaldens Pond Dam
Albany, NY
Low Hazard 26 ftLisha Kill Dam
Albany, NY
Significant Hazard 20 ftTivoli Lake Dam
Albany, NY
Low Hazard 9 ftLoudonville Reservoir Dam
Albany, NY
High Hazard 18 ftLittles Lake Dam
Albany, NY
Low Hazard 28 ftSchuyler Meadows Club Dam
Albany, NY
Low Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rensselaer Lake Dam?
Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer Lake Dam?
Rensselaer Lake Dam is owned by ALBANY WATER BOARD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rensselaer Lake Dam built?
Rensselaer Lake Dam was completed in 1850, making it 176 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 Rensselaer Lake Dam?
Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer Lake Dam?
Rensselaer Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Rensselaer Lake Dam last inspected?
Rensselaer Lake Dam was last inspected on April 17, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.