Roaring Brook Dam
Key Takeaway
Roaring Brook Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 895 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 616 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 112 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 471 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00239 |
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
Town of Putnam Valley
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 34 ftStillwater Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 42 ftLower (South) Wiccopee Dam
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High Hazard 45 ftMarcell Roth Lake Dam
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High Hazard 12 ftLake Tibet Dam
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Low Hazard 8 ftPelton Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 41 ftCanopus Lake North End Dam
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Low Hazard 20 ftSagamore Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Roaring Brook Dam?
Roaring Brook 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 Roaring Brook Dam?
Roaring Brook Dam is owned by Town of Putnam Valley (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Roaring Brook Dam built?
Roaring Brook Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Roaring Brook Dam?
Roaring Brook 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 Roaring Brook Dam?
Roaring Brook 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 Roaring Brook Dam last inspected?
Roaring Brook Dam was last inspected on November 18, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.