Smith Pond Dam

TR-NASSAU LAKE· Rensselaer, New York· Built 1939· Concrete· 12 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Smith Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 23.2% in NY)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage60 acre-ft
Normal Storage40 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge1,000 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDNY13728

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: April 21, 2003
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

SAMUEL SMITH

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smith Pond Dam?

Smith 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 Smith Pond Dam?

Smith Pond Dam is owned by SAMUEL SMITH (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Smith Pond Dam built?

Smith Pond Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Smith Pond Dam?

Smith 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 Smith Pond Dam?

Smith 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 Smith Pond Dam last inspected?

Smith Pond Dam was last inspected on April 21, 2003. 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.