Wager Dam

BONESTEEL CREEK· Rensselaer, New York· Built 1939· Concrete· 19 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Wager 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 19 ft (taller than 53.6% in NY)
Dam Length105 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage590 acre-ft
Normal Storage410 acre-ft
Surface Area58 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge1,060 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDNY00103

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 31, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Nick Petitti & Angela Petitti

Private

Nearby Dams

Martin Dunham Reservoir Dam

Rensselaer, NY

High Hazard 59 ft

Dyken Pond Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Mill Pond Dam

Rensselaer, NY

High Hazard 12 ft

Cranberry Pond Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Low Hazard 7 ft

Lake Elizabeth Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Low Hazard 18 ft

Second Pond Dam

Rensselaer, NY

High Hazard 9 ft

Long Pond Dam

Rensselaer, NY

High Hazard 9 ft

Glass Lake Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Significant Hazard 18 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wager Dam?

Wager 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 Wager Dam?

Wager Dam is owned by Nick Petitti & Angela Petitti (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wager Dam built?

Wager 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 Wager Dam?

Wager 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 Wager Dam?

Wager Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Wager Dam last inspected?

Wager Dam was last inspected on January 31, 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.