Sagamore Lake Dam

WEST BRANCH CROTON RIVER· Putnam, New York· Built 1946· Concrete· 22 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sagamore Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 63.7% in NY)
Dam Length275 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage880 acre-ft
Surface Area96 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge3,190 cfs
Year Completed1946 (80 years old)
NID IDNY00313

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: November 20, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

LAKE SAGAMORE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sagamore Lake Dam?

Sagamore 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 Sagamore Lake Dam?

Sagamore Lake Dam is owned by LAKE SAGAMORE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sagamore Lake Dam built?

Sagamore Lake Dam was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Sagamore Lake Dam?

Sagamore 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 Sagamore Lake Dam?

Sagamore 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 Sagamore Lake Dam last inspected?

Sagamore 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.