Scotty's Dam

SHERRUCK BROOK· Delaware, New York· Built 1949· Earth· 18 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Scotty's Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 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 18 ft (taller than 49.5% in NY)
Dam Length310 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage362 acre-ft
Normal Storage130 acre-ft
Surface Area33 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge1,058 cfs
Year Completed1949 (77 years old)
NID IDNY01199

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: January 2, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

STEPHAN LOEWENTHEIL

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Scotty's Dam?

Scotty's 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 Scotty's Dam?

Scotty's Dam is owned by STEPHAN LOEWENTHEIL (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Scotty's Dam built?

Scotty's Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Scotty's Dam?

Scotty's 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 Scotty's Dam?

Scotty's Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Scotty's Dam last inspected?

Scotty's Dam was last inspected on January 2, 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.