Ryder Lake Dam

WEST BRANCH CROTON RIVER· Putnam, New York· Built 1955· Earth· 21 ft tall

Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Ryder Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	21 ft (taller than 61.3% in NY)
Dam Length	350 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	153 acre-ft
Normal Storage	103 acre-ft

Surface Area	10 acres
Drainage Area	7 sq mi
Max Discharge	500 cfs
Year Completed	1955 (71 years old)
NID ID	NY14969

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: No

Last Inspection: November 20, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

MARIGRACE BLANKS

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ryder Lake Dam?

Ryder Lake 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 Ryder Lake Dam?

Ryder Lake Dam is owned by MARIGRACE BLANKS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ryder Lake Dam built?

Ryder Lake Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Ryder Lake Dam?

Ryder 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 Ryder Lake Dam?

Ryder Lake Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Ryder Lake Dam last inspected?

Ryder Lake Dam was last inspected on November 20, 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.