Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam

PISCAWAN KILL· Rensselaer, New York· Built 1868· Earth· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1868 and is 158 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 33.5% in NY)
Dam Length380 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage79 acre-ft
Normal Storage47 acre-ft
Surface Area49 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge480 cfs
Year Completed1868 (158 years old)
NID IDNY00116

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: April 1, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

TOWN OF BRUNSWICK

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam?

Van Derheyden Reservoir 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 Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam?

Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam is owned by TOWN OF BRUNSWICK (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam built?

Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam was completed in 1868, making it 158 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 Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam?

Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam?

Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam was last inspected on April 1, 2019. 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.