Sawmill Pond Dam

PARADOX CREEK· Essex, New York· Rockfill· 12 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sawmill Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 23.2% in NY)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage245 acre-ft
Normal Storage143 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Max Discharge350 cfs
NID IDNY01373

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: January 1, 1980
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

U S STEEL CORPORATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Penfield Pond Dam

Essex, NY

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Rockport Pond Dam

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 20 ft

Tub Mill Pond Dam

Essex, NY

Significant Hazard 21 ft

Gooseneck Reservoir Dam

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 10 ft

Putnam Pond Dam

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 21 ft

C H Walker Dam

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 12 ft

Defense Plant Corp Pond Dam (Mill #7)

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 25 ft

Palmer Lake Dam

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 35 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sawmill Pond Dam?

Sawmill Pond Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Sawmill Pond Dam?

Sawmill Pond Dam is owned by U S STEEL CORPORATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Sawmill Pond Dam?

Sawmill Pond 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 Sawmill Pond Dam?

Sawmill Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Sawmill Pond Dam last inspected?

Sawmill Pond Dam was last inspected on January 1, 1980. 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.